Watch: Defiant Maduro dances to 'Peace, yes. War, no' amid rising US pressure

As the US ramps up pressure on Venezuela over the alleged flow of illegal drugs linked to deaths in America, President Nicolas Maduro appeared unfazed, showing off his dance moves to a remix of his own peace slogans. The electronic track, titled “Paz si, guerro no (Peace, yes, war, no),” featured snippets of Maduro’s speeches calling for peace and rejecting war.

Even as the Trump administration intensified its campaign with sanctions and military measures, Maduro on Monday hosted a ceremony at the Miraflores Palace to swear in new community-based organisations.

Hundreds of thousands of Maduro’s supporters, waving Venezuelan flags, attended the ceremony. The crowd erupted in loud cheers as the 63-year-old, wearing a red cap reminiscent of the MAGA baseball cap, broke into dance.

A few supporters standing behind him on stage joined in, dancing alongside the President.

Maduro was accompanied by his wife, Cilia Flores and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who was also wearing a red baseball cap embroidered with "doubt is betrayal."

This was not, however, the first time Maduro showcased his dance moves to the same tune. A week ago, a video from the University Student Day celebration in Caracas went viral, capturing the President grooving to the catchy beats.

Last week at a rally, Maduro sang John Lennon's “Imagine”, as he spoke about peace and urged the young people in the crowd to read the lyrics of the song that he described as an anthem for generations to come.

“What a beautiful song. The lyrics – young people, look up the lyrics. It’s an inspiration for all time. It’s an anthem for all eras and generations that John Lennon left as a gift to humanity. Long live the eternal memory of that great poet and musician, John Lennon," he said.

US-VENEZUELA TENSIONS

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have been mounting for months, fuelled by American strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, repeated threats by President Trump to extend military operations onto Venezuelan soil, and the designation of Cartel de los Soles -- a group Washington claims includes Maduro -- as a foreign terrorist organisation.

Maduro has consistently denied any involvement in criminal activities.

Since September, US forces have carried out at least 21 strikes on suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 83 people.

The Venezuelan Assembly on Monday suspended an extraordinary session to debate forming a commission to investigate the boat strikes. Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez had announced the session after meeting relatives of the deceased.

On Sunday, President Trump confirmed that he had spoken with his Venezuelan counterpart, but did not provide details on what the two leaders discussed.

"I don't want to comment on it. The answer is yes," Trump said when asked if he had spoken with Maduro. He was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

- Ends