US President Donald Trump has been ramping up pressure on Venezuela's leader, President Nicolás Maduro.
The Trump administration has doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro's capture, and its warships are within striking distance of Venezuela. Dozens of people have been killed in attacks on boats alleged to have been transporting drugs from the South American country.
Trump reportedly also gave Maduro an ultimatum to leave Venezuela in a phone call they had on 21 November.
Who is Nicolás Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro rose to prominence under the leadership of left-wing President Hugo Chávez and his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader, succeeded Chávez and has been president since 2013.
During the 26 years that Chávez and Maduro have been in power, their party has gained control of key institutions, including the National Assembly, much of the judiciary, and the electoral council.
In 2024, the electoral council declared Maduro the winner of a presidential election, despite opposition reports indicating their candidate won by a landslide. This election has been declared illegitimate by the US and other nations.
Why is Trump focusing on Venezuela?
Trump has made stopping immigration a priority, accusing Maduro of causing an influx of Venezuelan migrants into the US. It is estimated that close to eight million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2013 due to economic and political crises.
Trump has also linked Maduro to drug trafficking, designating two Venezuelan criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Critics argue that these accusations are unfounded and politically motivated.
Why has the US sent warships to the Caribbean?
The US has deployed 15,000 troops and naval vessels to the Caribbean in what is described as the largest military operation in the area since the invasion of Panama in 1989. This deployment aims to combat drug trafficking, although some critics question the legality and justification of this military presence.
Is Venezuela flooding the US with drugs?
Experts highlight that Venezuela serves primarily as a transit country for drugs, mainly produced in neighboring Colombia. Most cocaine destined for the US is smuggled through different routes, and reports suggest that a substantial amount of fentanyl reaches the US from Mexico rather than Venezuela.
Could the US carry out strikes on Venezuela?
Trump has confirmed an ultimatum given to Maduro, suggesting military action may be considered if he does not comply. This situation raises the possibility of escalated military engagement in Venezuela.
