Maduro says gov't ready for potential armed conflict

He also announced that military exercises will be held from February 10 to 15 for the attempted coup.

The president made the remarks at a press conference held at the presidential palace, one day after he announced he will close the country's embassy and consulates in the United States.

"The conflict may happen, because they have said they are going to put the Marines in Caracas, and they will send them I don't know where, and so, in each city, in each town; a defense plan and a reaction plan for combat and victory," said Maduro.

The South American country's president on Wednesday ordered his country to sever "diplomatic and political" ties with Washington.

He said that anyone who wants their "homeland" must prepare to defend it.

According to Maduro, the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) will go to the "the highest and superior stage" with the exercises.

"Nobody respects the weak, the traitors, the cowards, the doubtful; nobody respects the hesitant in this world. Here we respect the strong, the brave, those who are planted, the courageous, those who wear the glorious uniform with honor and are willing to fulfill their oath with their own life," he said.

Likewise, he urged the military to stand valiantly in case of potential enemies.