Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has signed an “External Commotion” decree, which grants him expanded special defense and security powers for 90 days.

This comes in response to what his government describes as growing threats from the US.

According to El Pitazo, an independent Venezuelan news-site, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced the move yesterday, following the recent U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean.

The decree will allow the President to mobilize the armed forces, assume control over public services and the oil industry, and close land, sea, and air borders if deemed necessary.

Ms Rodríguez said the decree would be activated immediately if Venezuela faces any direct external threats from the US, whose officials say their operations in the region are focused on counter-narcotics efforts.