Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has declared a 60-day state of emergency citing plots from within the the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) country and from the US to topple his leftist government.
He however, did not provide details about the move.
Last year, a similar state of emergency was implemented in states near the Colombian border, suspending constitutional guarantees in those areas, except human rights.
"Washington is activating measures at the request of Venezuela's fascist right, who are emboldened by the coup in Brazil," the Guardian quoted Maduro as saying.
For years, Washington has had bitter relationship with Caracas, especially following US support for a short-lived 2002 coup against late leader Hugo Chavez.
Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party has long been a strong ally of suspended Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff's Workers Party and her departure adds to Maduro's isolation in Latin America.
Flanked by his ministers and a statue of Chavez, Maduro signed a state of emergency.
However, Venezuela's opposition condemned the measure.
"Today Maduro has again violated the constitution. Why? Because he is scared of being recalled," said opposition lawmaker Tomas Guanipa.
The US intelligence officials on Friday told reporters they were increasingly worried about the potential for an economic and political meltdown in Venezuela, reports the Guardian.
They also predicted that Maduro was not likely to complete his term
Amid worsening crisis that includes food and medicine shortages, frequent power cuts, sporadic looting and galloping inflation in the country, the opposition is seeking to recall the unpopular leader.
But, Maduro has vowed to stick out his term, and accused the US of fomenting an undercover coup against him.
