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 on November 21.
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, has been president since 2013 and maintains control of the military, police, and legislature.
In 2024, the electoral council declared Maduro the winner of the presidential election, despite opposition reports claiming the opposing candidate won by a landslide, which led to widespread allegations of election illegitimacy.
Why is Trump focusing on Venezuela?
Trump blames Maduro for a significant influx of Venezuelan migrants into the US and is prioritizing immigration control. Since 2013, around eight million Venezuelans have fled their home country due to economic and political crises exacerbated under Maduro.
Trump has also accused Maduro of facilitating drug trafficking and designated Venezuelan criminal groups as terrorist organizations. Maduro has denied such allegations and suggested that the US's motivations are linked to Venezuela's oil reserves.
Why has the US sent warships to the Caribbean?
The US military deployment includes 15,000 troops and numerous naval vessels, aimed at combating drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl and cocaine. The strikes have resulted in significant losses among those alleged to be traffickers, though experts have raised legal concerns about the operations.
Is Venezuela flooding the US with drugs?
While Venezuela plays a role in drug trafficking, experts argue it is not the predominant source of cocaine, which is primarily produced in Colombia. The US has mischaracterized Venezuela as a primary player in the global drug trade.
Could the US carry out strikes on Venezuela?
Trump has openly discussed military action against Maduro and gave a one-week ultimatum for his departure. The size of the military presence in the Caribbean has raised questions about potential ground operations against Venezuela, although specific plans have not been disclosed.
