U.S. Military Steps Up Caribbean Presence Amid Venezuela Tensions

U.S.-Venezuela: The United States has seized a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying President Trump’s campaign of pressure on President Maduro’s government. The move is part of a broader blockade strategy aimed at restricting Venezuela’s oil exports and increasing economic and diplomatic pressure on Maduro’s regime. The seizures have heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Washington signaling its determination to target key revenue sources for the Maduro government.


U.S.-Venezuela: Second U.S. tanker seizure off Venezuela Amid Trump’s Maduro pressure

US Ramps Up Military Pressure on Venezuela With Caribbean Exercises

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime “illegitimate”, saying any diplomatic deal with him would be futile. He added that the United States is not concerned about potential escalation with Russia as President Donald Trump deploys thousands of troops, an aircraft carrier, warships, and fighter jets to the Caribbean. The U.S. also issued additional sanctions against Maduro and his family members.

US-Venezuela Tensions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Calls Maduro's Regime Illegitimate

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued an urgent appeal Wednesday to Colombia for military solidarity, as tensions with the US reached a critical breaking point.

Venezuelan President Maduro Urges Colombian Counterpart for Military Coordination

U.S.-Venezuela: The U.S. military has conducted strikes on two alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people. The operations, part of Operation Southern Spear, are aimed at disrupting narco-trafficking routes and are conducted in international waters.  


U.S.-Venezuela Faceoff: U.S. Strikes 2 'Drug Boats' in Pacific, 5 Killed

U.S.-Venezuela: The U.S. military has conducted strikes on two alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean, killing five people. The operations, part of Operation Southern Spear, are aimed at disrupting narco-trafficking routes and are conducted in international waters.  

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Strikes 'Drug Boats' in Pacific, 5 Killed

U.S.-Venezuela: President Donald Trump has reiterated that there is no issue with briefing Congress about any actions taken in Venezuela, as tensions rise over the U.S. military buildup and recent strikes on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking. Trump emphasized that the administration will keep Congress updated on all developments, maintaining transparency amid ongoing military operations and diplomatic efforts in the region.

U.S.-Venezuela: "No issue Briefing Congress on Venezuela", Says Trump

U.S.-Venezuela: President Donald Trump has confirmed he will inform Congress about any military actions taken in Venezuela, as the U.S. intensifies its pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro’s government.

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump: Will Inform Congress on Venezuela Military Action 

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has filed a legal complaint against the Nobel Foundation, seeking to halt payments to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Assange argues that Machado's public support for US President Donald Trump's military actions against Venezuela runs counter to the core principles of the Peace Prize.


WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Sues Nobel Panel Over Peace Prize to Machado

Amid the US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the Navy to escort the country’s oil tankers. This came as reports said President Donald Trump wants US oil firms to enter the Latin American country’s energy market. These developments, amid the escalating so-called anti-narcotics raids on Venezuelan ships, are leading to strong suspicions that the tensions are actually about oil, in order to force the entry of American oil giants. If that happens, it wouldn’t be the first time. American energy companies were in Venezuela a century ago, and stayed there for decades, before being thrown out after exploitative practices that drained the nation’s resources while the people did not benefit. Here is the story of American oil firms in Venezuela.<h2>What the reports said about re-entry of American oil firms in Venezuela</h2>Trump administration is clearly planning for a post-Maduro Venezuela, in which US oil companies might enter the nation's energy market. The Politico reported that the Trump administration has been asking US oil companies if they would consider returning to Venezuela if Maduro were no longer in power. It said the White House has reached out privately to US oil firms to gauge interest in returning to Venezuelan oil production if Maduro falls or flees. The firms have reportedly declined, citing political risk, low oil prices, and the deterioration of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-export-operations-for-crude-and-byproducts-continue-normally-says-venezuela-despite-trump-blockade-1765984907247">'Export operations for crude and byproducts continue normally', says Venezuela despite Trump 'blockade'</a><h2>US oil firms were in Venezuela nearly a century ago</h2>Oil was discovered in Venezuela more than a century ago, mainly starting from the Maracaibo Basin in 1914. Since then, Standard Oil - which later became ExxonMobil - Gulf Oil, and other major oil firms dominated Venezuela’s energy industry for decades. By the 1930s, mostly American and some British-Dutch oil firms controlled nearly 98 per cent of Venezuela’s production.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed</a><h2>When American oil profits went to the US</h2>When American companies operated in Venezuela, their profits were repatriated to the US, with almost no significant reinvestment in local development or infrastructure. It became clear to Venezuelans that the oil wealth was only benefiting foreign shareholders rather than local populations. Neither the local communities, nor the Venezuelan state receive much benefit, and the resentment led to nationalist sentiments.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-turns-up-heat-on-venezuela-with-total-and-complete-blockade-of-oil-tankers-1765933286118">Trump turns up heat on Venezuela with ‘total and complete blockade’ of oil tankers</a><h2>Poor treatment of labour, environmental and social damage</h2>The American and other oil firms in Venezuela had a poor track record on labour relations. The oil extraction was causing pollution, and water sources were contaminated. Local farming and fishing communities bore the brunt. In the 1920s and 1930s, several complaints were made about destroyed freshwater supplies and impacts on indigenous and rural populations.<h2>Authoritarian rulers gave favourable concessions</h2>Under dictator Juan Vicente Gómez (1908–1935), American companies received generous terms and conditions to operate, including low taxation and large land concessions. This was part of the larger corruption of the dictatorship, which was propped up by foreign powers as it submitted to their interests.<h2>1940s reforms and nationalisation</h2>In 1943, Venezuela introduced a Hydrocarbons Law. This made sure that the government got 50 per cent of the energy profits, in the first move towards greater government control. In 1976, Venezuela moved for full nationalisation of oil under President Carlos Andrés Pérez and created PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.). This effectively started the end of foreign energy dominance.Under the socialist leader Hugo Chávez, the contracts with US companies, which they said was bringing investment and technology to Venezuela, were scrapped. The nationalisation was further strengthened during the 2007–2010 Chávez era, in which the government sought majority control in joint ventures with multinationals.&nbsp; Venezuela viewed this as a sovereign right over its resources; while Chavez supporters saw it as correcting historical exploitation. These policies were continued by Maduro, who came to power after Chavez died of cancer.<h2>The ouster and arbitration fights of American oil giants in Venezuela</h2>Some US companies like Chevron agreed and stayed, but others, mainly ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, refused, and their assets were seized. This led to major arbitration disputes, with the companies alleging that there were expropriations without adequate compensation.As Venezuela offered only limited payouts, the companies claimed billions of dollars in losses. After many years of disputes, international tribunals ruled in favour of the firms, with ExxonMobil winning some $1.6 billion in compensation in 2014, while ConocoPhillips won nearly $8.7 billion in 2019. But much of this compensation is yet to be paid.<h2>Chevron is the only major US firm in Venezuela</h2>Chevron continued to operate in Venezuela through joint ventures with PDVSA. There is criticism that this money helped the Maduro regime. US sanctions waivers in past years allowed limited operations of some American companies. Trump revoked some of the waivers and is essentially blockading the oil trade of Venezuela to pressure Maduro. It is true that foreign companies built the oil industry of Venezuela. &nbsp;The US views nationalisations as theft of investments, but these investments often came at the expense of the welfare Venezeualans.

The US govt has reportedly asked its oil firms if they’d return to Venezuela after Maduro. The US is blocking sanctioned tankers, and Maduro has deployed Navy to escort oil shipments. So it's increasingly about oil. But what happened the last time the American oil firms were in Venezuela?


Amid the US blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the Navy to escort the country’s oil tankers. This came as reports said President Donald Trump wants US oil firms to enter the Latin American country’s energy market. These developments, amid the escalating so-called anti-narcotics raids on Venezuelan ships, are leading to strong suspicions that the tensions are actually about oil, in order to force the entry of American oil giants. If that happens, it wouldn’t be the first time. American energy companies were in Venezuela a century ago, and stayed there for decades, before being thrown out after exploitative practices that drained the nation’s resources while the people did not benefit. Here is the story of American oil firms in Venezuela. What the reports said about re-entry of American oil firms in Venezuela Trump administration is clearly planning for a post-Maduro Venezuela, in which US oil companies might enter the nation's energy market. The Politico reported that the Trump administration has been asking US oil companies if they would consider returning to Venezuela if Maduro were no longer in power. It said the White House has reached out privately to US oil firms to gauge interest in returning to Venezuelan oil production if Maduro falls or flees. The firms have reportedly declined, citing political risk, low oil prices, and the deterioration of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Also read: 'Export operations for crude and byproducts continue normally', says Venezuela despite Trump 'blockade' US oil firms were in Venezuela nearly a century ago Oil was discovered in Venezuela more than a century ago, mainly starting from the Maracaibo Basin in 1914. Since then, Standard Oil - which later became ExxonMobil - Gulf Oil, and other major oil firms dominated Venezuela’s energy industry for decades. By the 1930s, mostly American and some British-Dutch oil firms controlled nearly 98 per cent of Venezuela’s production. https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-venezuela-us-deploys-fighter-jets-helicopters-to-puerto-rico-amid-venezuela-tensions-1766026146184/embed When American oil profits went to the US When American companies operated in Venezuela, their profits were repatriated to the US, with almost no significant reinvestment in local development or infrastructure. It became clear to Venezuelans that the oil wealth was only benefiting foreign shareholders rather than local populations. Neither the local communities, nor the Venezuelan state receive much benefit, and the resentment led to nationalist sentiments. Also read: Trump turns up heat on Venezuela with ‘total and complete blockade’ of oil tankers Poor treatment of labour, environmental and social damage The American and other oil firms in Venezuela had a poor track record on labour relations. The oil extraction was causing pollution, and water sources were contaminated. Local farming and fishing communities bore the brunt. In the 1920s and 1930s, several complaints were made about destroyed freshwater supplies and impacts on indigenous and rural populations. Authoritarian rulers gave favourable concessions Under dictator Juan Vicente Gómez (1908–1935), American companies received generous terms and conditions to operate, including low taxation and large land concessions. This was part of the larger corruption of the dictatorship, which was propped up by foreign powers as it submitted to their interests. 1940s reforms and nationalisation In 1943, Venezuela introduced a Hydrocarbons Law. This made sure that the government got 50 per cent of the energy profits, in the first move towards greater government control. In 1976, Venezuela moved for full nationalisation of oil under President Carlos Andrés Pérez and created PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A.). This effectively started the end of foreign energy dominance. Under the socialist leader Hugo Chávez, the contracts with US companies, which they said was bringing investment and technology to Venezuela, were scrapped. The nationalisation was further strengthened during the 2007–2010 Chávez era, in which the government sought majority control in joint ventures with multinationals. Venezuela viewed this as a sovereign right over its resources; while Chavez supporters saw it as correcting historical exploitation. These policies were continued by Maduro, who came to power after Chavez died of cancer. The ouster and arbitration fights of American oil giants in Venezuela Some US companies like Chevron agreed and stayed, but others, mainly ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, refused, and their assets were seized. This led to major arbitration disputes, with the companies alleging that there were expropriations without adequate compensation. As Venezuela offered only limited payouts, the companies claimed billions of dollars in losses. After many years of disputes, international tribunals ruled in favour of the firms, with ExxonMobil winning some $1.6 billion in compensation in 2014, while ConocoPhillips won nearly $8.7 billion in 2019. But much of this compensation is yet to be paid. Chevron is the only major US firm in Venezuela Chevron continued to operate in Venezuela through joint ventures with PDVSA. There is criticism that this money helped the Maduro regime. US sanctions waivers in past years allowed limited operations of some American companies. Trump revoked some of the waivers and is essentially blockading the oil trade of Venezuela to pressure Maduro. It is true that foreign companies built the oil industry of Venezuela. The US views nationalisations as theft of investments, but these investments often came at the expense of the welfare Venezeualans.

The US govt has reportedly asked its oil firms if they’d return to Venezuela after Maduro. The US is blocking sanctioned tankers, and Maduro has deployed Navy to escort oil shipments. So it's increasingly about oil. But what happened the last time the American oil firms were in Venezuela?

Trump administration reportedly wants US oil firms to re-enter Venezuela. But what happened the last time they were there?

U.S.-Venezuela: The United States has significantly increased its military deployment in the Caribbean, sending fighter jets, helicopters, and thousands of troops to Puerto Rico amid rising tensions with Venezuela. President Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels, prompting Venezuela to accuse the US of “state-sponsored piracy” at the United Nations.


U.S.-Venezuela: US Deploys Fighter Jets, Helicopters to Puerto Rico Amid Venezuela Tensions

Thousands of Venezuelans have taken to the streets of Caracas in protest against President Donald Trump’s newly announced total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

Venezuelans Rally in Caracas Against Trump’s Oil Blockade 

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that no unauthorized ships will be allowed to cross a new U.S. naval blockade around Venezuela, sharply escalating tensions with Nicolás Maduro’s government and raising fresh fears over global oil flows and a potential military confrontation at sea.

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Vows to Stop All Unauthorized Ships at Venezuela Blockade 

President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating pressure on President Nicolas Maduro as the U.S. expands its military presence in the region. Trump says Venezuela is now surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in South America’s history. The move targets the backbone of Venezuela’s economy, crude oil exports, even as the country reels under severe financial strain and soaring inflation. While Venezuela’s diminished oil output limits the global market impact, analysts warn the blockade raises the risk of further destabilisation and possible military escalation. Caracas has condemned the U.S. action as a grave violation of international law, vowing to take the matter to the United Nations. Oil markets reacted swiftly, with U.S. crude prices climbing amid rising geopolitical tension.

U.S. Chokes Venezuelan Oil Amid Military Escalation Against Maduro Regime

The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela as  President Donald Trump orders a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels. This move aims to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Watch to understand the implications for global oil markets, US-Venezuela relations, and international trade. 


US-Venezuela tensions: US escalates pressure on Venezuela with oil tanker blockade

The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela as President Donald Trump orders a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels. This move aims to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Watch to understand the implications for global oil markets, US-Venezuela relations, and international trade. 


US-Venezuela tensions: US seizure sparks contract changes with deeper oil discounts

The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela as former President Donald Trump orders a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels. This move aims to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Watch to understand the implications for global oil markets, US-Venezuela relations, and international trade.

US-Venezuela: Trump Orders Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Vessels, Escalating US Pressure

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. lawmakers have launched a tough inquiry into the controversial double-tap strike on a Venezuelan boat, questioning Secretary of War Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio over the operation's legality and consequences. The strike, which has drawn criticism for its aggressive tactics, is under scrutiny for potential violations of international norms and its impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations. 


US-Venezuela tensions: US lawmakers question Secretary of War and the Secretary of State 

President Trump has ordered a blockade targeting “sanctioned oil tankers” in Venezuela, intensifying economic pressure on the Maduro regime.

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Orders Blockade of ‘Sanctioned Oil Tankers’ in Venezuela 

U.S.-Venezuela: President Trump has threatened a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuelan oil tankers, escalating pressure on the Maduro regime amid ongoing tensions. The move signals a dramatic step to restrict Venezuela’s oil exports, its main source of foreign revenue, and could deepen the country’s economic crisis. 


U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Threatens ‘Total and Complete Blockade’ of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

Donald Trump's top national security officials faced a grilling from lawmakers Tuesday on US strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific -- operations that have raised alarms about escalating military force near Venezuela.


US- Venezuela Tensions: Hegseth, Rubio Grilled Over Double Tap Strike

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. lawmakers have launched a tough inquiry into the controversial double-tap strike on a Venezuelan boat, questioning Secretary of War Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio over the operation's legality and consequences. The strike, which has drawn criticism for its aggressive tactics, is under scrutiny for potential violations of international norms and its impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations. 

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Lawmakers Grill Hegseth, Rubio Over Double-Tap Strike on Venezuelan Boat

Donald Trump’s top national security officials were grilled by lawmakers on Tuesday (Dec 16) over US military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, operations that have triggered concerns about an expanding use of force close to Venezuela. Briefings to the House and Senate, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place amid growing unease in Congress over the president’s widening operations in waters off Latin America, as lawmakers consider steps to rein in Trump’s authority to act without legislative approval.&nbsp;US officials say the operations target narcotics bound for American shores.&nbsp;Critics counter that the campaign -- which has destroyed at least 26 boats and killed at least 95 people, according to US military figures -- is legally ambiguous and strategically unclear.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/your-political-opinions-online-could-cost-you-us-visa-trump-administration-expands-screening-for-h-1b-and-h-4-visas-1765900690172">Your political opinions online could cost you US visa: Trump administration expands screening for H-1B and H-4 visas</a>&nbsp;The classified sessions preceded a possible Senate vote on resolutions aimed at restricting Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional consent.&nbsp;But Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters as he left the room that the officials had offered nothing new.&nbsp;"The administration came to this briefing empty handed... and if they can't be transparent on this, how can you trust their transparency on all the other issues swirling about in the Caribbean?" Schumer said.&nbsp;The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.&nbsp;Lawmakers from both parties have demanded answers on the legal basis for that attack and why Congress has been denied full access to video footage, which so far has been shown only to a handful of senior lawmakers.&nbsp;Schumer has warned that secrecy -- combined with the presence of US troops and a carrier group in the region -- risked dragging the country into another open-ended conflict.He told reporters he reiterated the demand for every senator to be given access to the complete, unedited tape of the September 2 strike but was rebuffed.&nbsp;Rubio and Hegseth defended the "highly successful mission" as they left the briefing, and said the Pentagon would allow the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to view the video alongside the commander who ordered them, Admiral Frank Bradley.&nbsp;"But, in keeping with longstanding... Department of Defense policy, we're not going to release a top secret, full, unedited video of that to the general public," Hegseth added.&nbsp;Beyond the boat strikes, the administration has ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro -- deepening sanctions, deploying warships and aircraft near his coastline and seizing an oil tanker linked to Caracas.<h2>Maduro's days are numbered: Trump</h2>Trump has declared that Maduro's "days are numbered" and pointedly refused to rule out a US ground invasion.&nbsp;Legal experts say the case highlights a central tension in Trump's approach -- that treating drug trafficking as an act of war may violate international law.&nbsp;This week, Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl -- which is stocked and administered by hospitals -- as a "weapon of mass destruction," an escalation supporters say reflects the gravity of the opioid crisis.&nbsp;Specialists note, however, that most of the intercepted boats were believed to be carrying cocaine, not fentanyl.&nbsp;Despite mounting scrutiny, the campaign shows no sign of slowing.&nbsp;On Monday, the Pentagon said it had carried out fresh strikes against alleged drug boats in the Pacific, killing eight people described as "narco-terrorists."&nbsp;The Senate briefing also follows last week's dramatic US seizure of an oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan fuel in a network linked to Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/messi-event-fiasco-cm-mamata-banerjee-assumes-charge-of-west-bengal-sports-after-minister-s-resignation-mamta-messi-india-tour-1765905241623">Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee assumes charge of West Bengal sports after minister’s resignation</a>&nbsp;Republican senator and staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham said as he emerged from his briefing that the video was the least of his concerns, asserting that the September 2 strike was lawful.&nbsp;"Most Americans want to know what's going to happen next. I want to know what's going to happen next. Is it the policy to take Maduro down? It should be, if it's not. And if he goes, what's going to happen next?"

The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.

Donald Trump’s top national security officials were grilled by lawmakers on Tuesday (Dec 16) over US military strikes against suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, operations that have triggered concerns about an expanding use of force close to Venezuela. Briefings to the House and Senate, led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place amid growing unease in Congress over the president’s widening operations in waters off Latin America, as lawmakers consider steps to rein in Trump’s authority to act without legislative approval. US officials say the operations target narcotics bound for American shores. Critics counter that the campaign -- which has destroyed at least 26 boats and killed at least 95 people, according to US military figures -- is legally ambiguous and strategically unclear. Also Read: Your political opinions online could cost you US visa: Trump administration expands screening for H-1B and H-4 visas The classified sessions preceded a possible Senate vote on resolutions aimed at restricting Trump from launching military action against Venezuela without congressional consent. But Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters as he left the room that the officials had offered nothing new. "The administration came to this briefing empty handed... and if they can't be transparent on this, how can you trust their transparency on all the other issues swirling about in the Caribbean?" Schumer said. The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike. Lawmakers from both parties have demanded answers on the legal basis for that attack and why Congress has been denied full access to video footage, which so far has been shown only to a handful of senior lawmakers. Schumer has warned that secrecy -- combined with the presence of US troops and a carrier group in the region -- risked dragging the country into another open-ended conflict. He told reporters he reiterated the demand for every senator to be given access to the complete, unedited tape of the September 2 strike but was rebuffed. Rubio and Hegseth defended the "highly successful mission" as they left the briefing, and said the Pentagon would allow the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to view the video alongside the commander who ordered them, Admiral Frank Bradley. "But, in keeping with longstanding... Department of Defense policy, we're not going to release a top secret, full, unedited video of that to the general public," Hegseth added. Beyond the boat strikes, the administration has ratcheted up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro -- deepening sanctions, deploying warships and aircraft near his coastline and seizing an oil tanker linked to Caracas. Maduro's days are numbered: Trump Trump has declared that Maduro's "days are numbered" and pointedly refused to rule out a US ground invasion. Legal experts say the case highlights a central tension in Trump's approach -- that treating drug trafficking as an act of war may violate international law. This week, Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl -- which is stocked and administered by hospitals -- as a "weapon of mass destruction," an escalation supporters say reflects the gravity of the opioid crisis. Specialists note, however, that most of the intercepted boats were believed to be carrying cocaine, not fentanyl. Despite mounting scrutiny, the campaign shows no sign of slowing. On Monday, the Pentagon said it had carried out fresh strikes against alleged drug boats in the Pacific, killing eight people described as "narco-terrorists." The Senate briefing also follows last week's dramatic US seizure of an oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan fuel in a network linked to Iran. Also Read: Messi event fiasco: CM Mamata Banerjee assumes charge of West Bengal sports after minister’s resignation Republican senator and staunch Trump ally Lindsey Graham said as he emerged from his briefing that the video was the least of his concerns, asserting that the September 2 strike was lawful. "Most Americans want to know what's going to happen next. I want to know what's going to happen next. Is it the policy to take Maduro down? It should be, if it's not. And if he goes, what's going to happen next?"

The boat strikes have drawn particular scrutiny over a September 2 operation in which US forces carried out a follow-up attack on a disabled boat, killing two survivors of the initial strike.

US lawmakers grill Trump officials over alleged drug boat strikes

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U.S. Military Steps Up Caribbean Presence Amid Venezuela Tensions

U.S.-Venezuela: Second U.S. tanker seizure off Venezuela Amid Trump’s Maduro pressure

US Ramps Up Military Pressure on Venezuela With Caribbean Exercises

US-Venezuela Tensions: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Calls Maduro's Regime Illegitimate

Venezuelan President Maduro Urges Colombian Counterpart for Military Coordination

U.S.-Venezuela Faceoff: U.S. Strikes 2 'Drug Boats' in Pacific, 5 Killed

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Strikes 'Drug Boats' in Pacific, 5 Killed

U.S.-Venezuela: "No issue Briefing Congress on Venezuela", Says Trump

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump: Will Inform Congress on Venezuela Military Action

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange Sues Nobel Panel Over Peace Prize to Machado

Trump wants US oil firms to re-enter Venezuela. What happened last time?

U.S.-Venezuela: US Deploys Fighter Jets, Helicopters to Puerto Rico Amid Venezuela Tensions

Venezuelans Rally in Caracas Against Trump’s Oil Blockade

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Vows to Stop All Unauthorized Ships at Venezuela Blockade

U.S. Chokes Venezuelan Oil Amid Military Escalation Against Maduro Regime

US-Venezuela tensions: US escalates pressure on Venezuela with oil tanker blockade

US-Venezuela tensions: US seizure sparks contract changes with deeper oil discounts

US-Venezuela: Trump Orders Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Vessels, Escalating US Pressure

US-Venezuela tensions: US lawmakers question Secretary of War and the Secretary of State

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Orders Blockade of ‘Sanctioned Oil Tankers’ in Venezuela

U.S.-Venezuela: Trump Threatens ‘Total and Complete Blockade’ of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

US- Venezuela Tensions: Hegseth, Rubio Grilled Over Double Tap Strike

U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. Lawmakers Grill Hegseth, Rubio Over Double-Tap Strike on Venezuelan Boat

US lawmakers grill Trump officials over alleged drug boat strikes