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الوسم: nicolas maduro

  • A third of Americans support US strike on Venezuela: Reuters poll

    A third of Americans support US strike on Venezuela: Reuters poll

    A Reuters/Ipsos poll, completed on Monday, found that about one-third of Americans support the US military action that ousted Venezuela’s president. Meanwhile, 72% are concerned that the US might become too involved in the South American nation. The two-day survey indicates that 65% of Republicans endorse the military intervention ordered by Republican President Donald Trump, compared to just 11% of Democrats and 23% of independents.

    US forces launched a pre-dawn raid in Caracas on Saturday, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The US handed Maduro over to federal authorities to face charges related to alleged drug trafficking. This operation, along with Trump’s statement that the US would now “manage” Venezuela, marks a notable shift for a president who has previously criticized other US leaders for foreign interventions.

    The move followed signals from Trump’s administration that their main focus would be on the domestic economy, a critical issue as voters prepare for midterm elections later this year that will determine congressional control for the remainder of Trump’s term.

    Support for aggressive foreign policies among Republicans is notable in the poll. About 43% agree with the statement: “The United States should have a policy of dominating affairs in the Western Hemisphere,” while 19% disagree. The rest were unsure or declined to answer. On Saturday, Trump said the US would “run” Venezuela for an unspecified period and mentioned the possibility of deploying ground troops. He also emphasized plans to overhaul Venezuela’s oil industry, stating the US needs “full access” to its vast oil reserves.

    In the poll, 60% of Republicans supported sending US troops to Venezuela, compared to 30% of the general American population. Additionally, 59% of Republicans favored the US taking control of Venezuela’s oil fields. While Trump has not specified exact plans, he suggested that US influence would be exercised more through intimidation of Venezuelan leaders rather than direct governance, saying, “If they don’t behave, we will launch a second strike.” Despite this ambiguity, the survey shows that 65% of Republicans favor US oversight of Venezuela.

    However, opinion within the party is divided on potential risks. Over half—54%—express concern that US involvement might become excessive, and the same percentage worry about the financial costs. Sixty-four percent are also concerned about the risk to military personnel in Venezuela.

    The poll surveyed 1,248 adults nationwide, showing Trump’s approval rating at 42%, the highest since October and an increase from 39% in December. The survey was conducted online with a margin of error of roughly 3 percentage points.

  • US Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro Under UN Scrutiny

    US Capture of Venezuela’s Maduro Under UN Scrutiny

    U.S. veto power limits accountability at the UN Security Council. The U.S. justifies its actions under UN Charter Article 51, citing the right to self-defense. However, legal analysts argue that the U.S. operation breached international law.

    The UN Security Council, composed of 15 members, is set to review the legality of the recent U.S. operation that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in New York, where he awaits a court hearing on drug charges. The raid on Saturday disrupted power in parts of Caracas and targeted military sites, with reports of casualties from Venezuelan authorities.

    While Russia, China, and Venezuela’s other allies accuse the U.S. of violating international law, most U.S. allies—many of whom oppose Maduro—have been cautious in voicing explicit concerns about the military intervention. Richard Gowan, an expert at the International Crisis Group, suggests that European nations will likely hesitate or hedge their statements within the Security Council.

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent. Many legal scholars contend the U.S. operation was unlawful since it lacked UN Security Council approval, did not involve Venezuelan consent, and did not respond to an armed attack, which is necessary for a justified self-defense claim.

    The U.S. officials defend the operation by citing Article 51, which permits self-defense if there is an armed attack. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, argued that Maduro’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking with nations like China, Russia, Iran, and terrorist groups posed a threat that justified the military action.

    Legal experts counter that drug smuggling alone does not qualify as an armed attack, and therefore does not justify the use of force. They emphasize that the U.S. cannot invoke extraterritorial jurisdiction freely and that Maduro’s indictment in the U.S. on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges does not legally warrant military intervention without international approval.

    The U.S. has the power to veto any Security Council resolutions criticizing its actions, as it, along with Russia, China, the UK, and France, holds veto authority. Maduro, who was indicted in 2020 on charges including narco-terrorism, denies any criminal wrongdoing. Critics such as Professor Milena Sterio point out that even if Maduro was involved in drug trafficking, that does not constitute an armed attack warranting military response under international law.

    Cuba reports that 32 of its citizens lost their lives during the U.S. raid. The Cuban government announced a mourning period and confirmed that those killed were members of its armed forces and intelligence services who fought fiercely against the attack. Cuba has historically provided security for Maduro, although it is unclear how many Cubans were present at the time of the raid or were killed.

    Maduro, aged 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown to the United States. Maduro is currently held in a New York detention center, awaiting his court appearance.

  • From Bus Driver to Ruthless Commander

    From Bus Driver to Ruthless Commander

    Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, after being captured by U.S. special forces following over a decade in office, maintains a reputation for ruling with strict authority while attempting to present himself as a modest leader devoted to the people.

    For months, amid accusations from President Donald Trump accusing him of drug trafficking, the 63-year-old former bus driver deflected mounting pressure by performing dance routines to techno music at nearly daily rallies, which were broadcast live. He often chanted “No war, yes peace!”—in English.

    However, many Venezuelans see Maduro as far from a peaceful leader. During his tenure, approximately seven million compatriots fled the country amid reports of arbitrary arrests, unfair trials, torture, and censorship.

    Venezuela’s economy has crumbled, experiencing four straight years of hyperinflation and a 80% decline in GDP over ten years. As Maduro consolidated power, he increasingly relied on support from a small group of international allies— notably China, Cuba, and Russia— along with the military, security, and paramilitary forces.

    In the protests that erupted after his disputed July 2024 election victory, over 2,400 individuals were detained, 28 people were killed, and around 200 injured amid a brutal crackdown. This violence echoed previous deadly suppression efforts carried out in 2014, 2017, and 2019.

    Maduro, tall with a full mustache and graying slicked-back hair, first rose to power in 2013, claiming reelection in 2018 and 2024 in elections widely called fraudulent. In January 2025, he was sworn in for a third term, extending his rule to nearly 18 years— surpassing the 14 years of his revolutionary hero, Hugo Chavez.

    Prior to his presidency, Maduro served as a lawmaker, foreign minister, and vice president. Chavez chosen him as his successor shortly before his death in 2013, though Maduro lacked Chavez’s charisma and rhetorical skills. His initial election victory in 2013 was narrow, but he managed to survive multiple crises, including U.S. sanctions and plummeting oil prices that undermined Venezuela’s main economic resource.

    Internationally, much of the world recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president in 2018, but that parallel government quickly collapsed. After the July 2024 elections, the U.S., European countries, and several Latin American neighbors declared opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as the legitimate leader.

    Maduro’s personal life is closely linked to his wife, Cilia Flores, a former prosecutor seven years his senior. He calls her “First Combatant” and “Cilita.” Flores was a lawmaker and the president of the National Assembly from 2006 to 2010, wielding significant behind-the-scenes influence. Trump announced that Flores was captured by U.S. special forces with her husband and was being transported to New York to face federal charges following an early-morning raid in Caracas.

    In Caracas, Maduro’s face is visible everywhere. He has worked to craft an image as an authentic man of the people— a baseball fan and salsa lover, often showcasing his dance moves on state TV alongside his wife.

    Born in Caracas, Maduro claims both a Marxist and Christian identity. During his teenage years, he played guitar in a rock band. It is believed he intentionally misstates English words to avoid seeming too intellectual.

    Throughout his presidency, Maduro faced numerous threats— real and perceived—including a failed drone attack in 2018 that injured soldiers. To divert blame for Venezuela’s struggles, he continued Chavez’s anti-U.S. conspiracy theories, accusing Washington of plotting to oust him.

    While positioning himself as a victim of international plots, Maduro suppressed political opposition, imprisoning dissidents and challengers with little regard for legal procedures. His government is under investigation for human rights violations by the International Criminal Court.

    Maduro has demonstrated skillful political maneuvering, securing easing of some U.S. sanctions and other concessions by agreeing with opposition groups to hold democratic elections in 2024— though he later broke those agreements, resulting in some sanctions being reinstated.

    He has been a constant presence in Venezuelans’ daily lives, often seen on TV raising his fist and speaking anti-imperialist rhetoric. Maduro also appeared in media as the comic character Super-Bigote (Super-Mustache), a hero fighting imperialism.

  • US Sanctions Target Maduro’s Family & Close Associates

    US Sanctions Target Maduro’s Family & Close Associates

    The US has imposed new sanctions targeting family members and associates of Nicolas Maduro, as part of an increased effort to pressure the Venezuelan leader. The Treasury Department announced that it has sanctioned seven individuals connected to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting Maduro’s dictatorship and his alleged narcotics operations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the administration is determined to prevent Venezuela from flooding the US with illegal drugs and warned that Maduro’s regime jeopardizes regional peace and stability.

    Maduro’s government has denied any involvement in crime and asserts that the US aims to overthrow him in order to control Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. Over the past few months, the Trump administration has intensified its stance, expanding military presence in the Caribbean, launching maritime interdictions against suspected drug ships, seizing an oil tanker under sanctions, and declaring a “blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports. There are also ongoing threats of imminent land-based strikes.

    Among those sanctioned on Friday is Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, Maduro’s nephew, who was implicated in corruption at state oil company PDVSA. His mother, brother, wife, and daughter also received sanctions. This action follows last week’s designation of Malpica Flores himself.

    In addition, the Treasury extended a license protecting Citgo Petroleum, a Venezuela-owned refiner based in Houston, from creditor claims through February 3. This renewal is shorter than the previous six-month extension issued in June. Despite legal challenges including a court auction, the US continues to shield Citgo from creditors, pending further court approvals for a sale of its parent company’s shares to an investment firm to satisfy Venezuela’s debts. This process is part of a broader two-year effort to resolve outstanding debt and expropriations associated with Venezuela’s financial obligations.