"Since Trump took office for his second term, he has put Maduro squarely in his sights, pursuing a maximum pressure campaign against the Venezuelan regime. He accused Maduro of being behind destabilising activity in the Americas, including drug trafficking and illegal immigration to the US. In July, the US announced a $50m (37m) bounty on Maduro's head, accusing him of being one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world."
"Trump has openly flirted with the idea of regime change in Venezuela. In late November, Trump gave Maduro an ultimatum to relinquish power, offering him safe passage out of the country. Maduro refused the offer, telling supporters in Venezuela that he did not want a slave's peace and accusing the US of wanting control of his country's oil reserves. As the Trump administration ratcheted up the pressure, the government in Caracas at times seemed bewildered."
The Trump administration pursued a maximum pressure campaign against President Maduro, accusing him of drug trafficking and destabilising activity. The US issued a $50m bounty on Maduro, designated Venezuelan gangs as terrorist organisations, carried out airstrikes against alleged traffickers in the Caribbean, seized Venezuelan tankers, and increased military presence around Venezuela. Trump offered Maduro safe passage if he relinquished power; Maduro refused, denouncing a 'slave's peace' and alleging US interest in Venezuelan oil. Maduro at times proclaimed he did not want war, mimicked a dance move, and later expressed openness to US investment in the oil sector.
#us-venezuela-relations #regime-change #sanctions-and-military-pressure #narcotrafficking-allegations
Read at www.theguardian.com
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