US-Venezuela Tensions: Maduro Steps Up Military Enlistment, Boosts Militia to Counter Threat | WION

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said there was "no way" American troops could invade Venezuela after Washington deployed multiple warships and 4,000 troops to the Caribbean to pressure the leftist strongman.



US-Venezuela Tensions: Maduro Steps Up Military Enlistment, Boosts Militia to Counter Threat | WION

A major military standoff is unfolding in the Caribbean Sea. We analyse the deployment of a US naval force, including the nuclear submarine USS Newport News, and Venezuela's defiant military response. With President Maduro supervising live-fire exercises and declaring his country impenetrable, we look at the forces at play, the regional implications, and whether this high-stakes confrontation could spill over into open conflict.


Why is US sending nuclear submarine to Venezuela 

As per reports, the US Navy has sent ships, including three destroyers, an amphibious assault ship, a missile cruiser, and a nuclear submarine, to the coast of Venezuela, ostensibly to combat drug cartels.


Venezuela deploys warships, drones as US destroyers draw near 

US sends nuclear submarine USS Newport News toward Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered the mobilization of over 4.5 million militia fighters across the country in response to what he calls escalating U.S. threats. This move comes just days after the United States doubled its bounty on Maduro’s arrest to $50 million and deployed three warships in the Caribbean under the guise of anti-drug operations.

U.S. sends 3 warships near Venezuela coast | Maduro to mobile millions in militia

#GRAVITAS | On Tuesday, Trump said that a Ukraine peace deal is likely to boost his chances of getting to heaven. To drive this point home, Trump presented himself as 'peacemaker-in-chief' in front of European leaders he hosted at the White House, projecting his portrait of putting up a fight. But while on one hand, Trump seems to be chasing afterlife plans by looking to stop one war, in another part of the world, he is poised to wage another one..
in Venezuela. Watch this video to find out more. 


'Peace Broker' Trump Wages War on Venezuela | GRAVITAS

Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado vowed a boycott of upcoming legislative and regional elections.

Opposition Leader Machado Calls For Boycott Of May 25 Election

A two-year-old girl, who got separated from her parents in the United States by deportation, arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday (May 14).&nbsp;
The girl&rsquo;s Venezuelan parents were deported without her from the US &ndash; a move that was criticised by the South American country and denounced as a kidnapping.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-syrian-leader-after-lifting-sanctions-us-official-9067309">Trump urges Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa to sign Abraham Accords, wants him to deport Palestinian 'terrorists'</a>
Maikelys Espinoza arrived at an airport outside the capital, Caracas, accompanied by over 220 deported migrants.
State television showed Venezuela&rsquo;s first lady, Cilia Flores, carrying Maikelys at the airport. The girl was then handed over to her mother, who was waiting at the presidential palace along with President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-student-on-trumps-deportation-list-receives-loud-cheers-at-grad-ceremony-while-dhs-secy-kristi-noem-gets-booed-9062645">Embarrassment for Kristi Noem as Indian student on Trump's deportation list gets loud cheers at grad ceremony</a>
The US government has defended the deportation of the girl&rsquo;s parents, which happened last month, claiming that they allegedly had links to the Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua gang, which was designated as a terrorist organisation by US President Donald Trump earlier this year.
The girl&rsquo;s mother was deported to Venezuela on April 25, while her father was sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador in March amid Trump&rsquo;s crackdown as the US president invoked an 18th-century wartime law to deport hundreds of immigrants.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-habeas-corpus-trump-admin-looking-to-suspend-writ-to-fast-track-deportations-of-illegal-migrants-9057451">What is habeas corpus? Trump admin looking to suspend writ to fast-track deportations of illegal migrants</a>
<h2>'A great victory'</h2>
According to a Reuters report, Venezuela&rsquo;s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said that the toddler&rsquo;s return has been &ldquo;a battle every day and today we have a great victory.&rdquo;
The Venezuelan government had refused entry to immigrants deported from the US previously, however, they allowed hundreds of Venezuelan migrants back in the country since Trump took office this year. The deported migrants also included some 180 people who spent up to 16 days at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reckless-tariffs-immigration-crackdown-kamala-harris-accuses-trump-of-greatest-man-made-economic-crisis-9023411">'Reckless tariffs, immigration crackdown...': Kamala Harris accuses Trump of 'greatest man-made economic crisis'</a>
On Wednesday (May 14), President Maduro thanked Trump for the &ldquo;profoundly humane act&rdquo; as he received the little girl at the presidential palace in Caracas, reported AFP.
&ldquo;There have been and will be differences, but it is possible, with God&rsquo;s blessing, to move forward and resolve many issues,&rdquo; Maduro said. &ldquo;I hope and aspire that very soon we can also rescue Maikely&rsquo;s father and the 253 Venezuelans who are in El Salvador.&rdquo;

The girl’s Venezuelan parents were deported without her from the US – a move that was criticised by the South American country and denounced as a kidnapping. World | Trending

A two-year-old girl, who got separated from her parents in the United States by deportation, arrived in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday (May 14). The girl’s Venezuelan parents were deported without her from the US – a move that was criticised by the South American country and denounced as a kidnapping. Also read | Trump urges Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa to sign Abraham Accords, wants him to deport Palestinian 'terrorists' Maikelys Espinoza arrived at an airport outside the capital, Caracas, accompanied by over 220 deported migrants. State television showed Venezuela’s first lady, Cilia Flores, carrying Maikelys at the airport. The girl was then handed over to her mother, who was waiting at the presidential palace along with President Nicolás Maduro. Also read | Embarrassment for Kristi Noem as Indian student on Trump's deportation list gets loud cheers at grad ceremony The US government has defended the deportation of the girl’s parents, which happened last month, claiming that they allegedly had links to the Venezuelan-based Tren de Aragua gang, which was designated as a terrorist organisation by US President Donald Trump earlier this year. The girl’s mother was deported to Venezuela on April 25, while her father was sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador in March amid Trump’s crackdown as the US president invoked an 18th-century wartime law to deport hundreds of immigrants. Also read | What is habeas corpus? Trump admin looking to suspend writ to fast-track deportations of illegal migrants 'A great victory' According to a Reuters report, Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said that the toddler’s return has been “a battle every day and today we have a great victory.” The Venezuelan government had refused entry to immigrants deported from the US previously, however, they allowed hundreds of Venezuelan migrants back in the country since Trump took office this year. The deported migrants also included some 180 people who spent up to 16 days at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Also read | 'Reckless tariffs, immigration crackdown...': Kamala Harris accuses Trump of 'greatest man-made economic crisis' On Wednesday (May 14), President Maduro thanked Trump for the “profoundly humane act” as he received the little girl at the presidential palace in Caracas, reported AFP. “There have been and will be differences, but it is possible, with God’s blessing, to move forward and resolve many issues,” Maduro said. “I hope and aspire that very soon we can also rescue Maikely’s father and the 253 Venezuelans who are in El Salvador.”

Two-year-old girl reunites with mother: Toddler separated from parents after US deportation, arrives in Venezuela

The PDVSA state oil corporation of Venezuela cancelled multiple export loading permissions granted to Chevron as a U.S. oil producer in April based on sources who possess knowledge of the situation. The decisions to suspend authorizations came shortly after President Donald Trump implemented his tariffs on Venezuelan oil buying countries.
Washington made this decision following its recent action where it canceled crucial PDVSA licenses granted to various partners involving Chevron among them. Through prior licenses these companies maintained the ability to operate Venezuelan oil exports under specific exemptions within the American sanctions on South American oil. The U.S. Treasury Department requires all companies to terminate operations by May 27 while concluding their current purchase transactions before the deadline. Chevron exercised its license which enabled 250,000 daily barrels of Venezuelan crude to move from its operations through the United States.
In April the United States enforced a 25% petroleum tax on Venezuelan crude oil purchases which experts predicted would mostly harm Chinese crude oil and gas importers who received the most Venezuelan petroleum sales.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/business-economy/what-are-secondary-tariffs-and-will-india-be-affected-by-venezuelas-oil-sanctions-by-trump-8887901">What are secondary tariffs, and will India be affected by Venezuela's oil sanctions by Trump?</a>
Information reveals that two canceled cargo authorizations covered vessels that were already completed with petroleum on board which would force the oil to return to Venezuelan shipping terminals. The unloading of the third transportation container did not occur yet. The companies PDVSA and Chevron have not yet reacted to the requests for their comments about these recent developments. The planned timeline of the involved shipments remains unknown.
The political administration under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro defends its opposition to U.S. economic measures which they view as an "economic war." Some cargo loadings at Venezuelan ports experienced delays this month because of the imposed taxes on Venezuelan oil exports primarily targeting Chinese receiving ports. The shipment resumptions for these loadings started during this week. Until this recent development, Chevron's Venezuelan crude exports had remained unaffected by the tariffs due to its specific license.

Autonews | The companies PDVSA and Chevron have not yet reacted to the requests for their comments about these recent developments.

The PDVSA state oil corporation of Venezuela cancelled multiple export loading permissions granted to Chevron as a U.S. oil producer in April based on sources who possess knowledge of the situation. The decisions to suspend authorizations came shortly after President Donald Trump implemented his tariffs on Venezuelan oil buying countries. Washington made this decision following its recent action where it canceled crucial PDVSA licenses granted to various partners involving Chevron among them. Through prior licenses these companies maintained the ability to operate Venezuelan oil exports under specific exemptions within the American sanctions on South American oil. The U.S. Treasury Department requires all companies to terminate operations by May 27 while concluding their current purchase transactions before the deadline. Chevron exercised its license which enabled 250,000 daily barrels of Venezuelan crude to move from its operations through the United States. In April the United States enforced a 25% petroleum tax on Venezuelan crude oil purchases which experts predicted would mostly harm Chinese crude oil and gas importers who received the most Venezuelan petroleum sales. Also Read | What are secondary tariffs, and will India be affected by Venezuela's oil sanctions by Trump? Information reveals that two canceled cargo authorizations covered vessels that were already completed with petroleum on board which would force the oil to return to Venezuelan shipping terminals. The unloading of the third transportation container did not occur yet. The companies PDVSA and Chevron have not yet reacted to the requests for their comments about these recent developments. The planned timeline of the involved shipments remains unknown. The political administration under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro defends its opposition to U.S. economic measures which they view as an "economic war." Some cargo loadings at Venezuelan ports experienced delays this month because of the imposed taxes on Venezuelan oil exports primarily targeting Chinese receiving ports. The shipment resumptions for these loadings started during this week. Until this recent development, Chevron's Venezuelan crude exports had remained unaffected by the tariffs due to its specific license.

Venezuela's PDVSA halts oil loading authorizations to Chevron amid US tariffs

A Venezuelan migrant who gained popularity for urging illegal border crossers to squat in American homes, has been deported back to Venezuela this week, according to The New York Post.&nbsp;
Leonel Moreno used TikTok to boast about US welfare benefits and encouraged illegal crossers to stay in the US. He advised migrants to "invade abandoned houses".&nbsp;
His deportation comes as US President Donald Trump continues to tighten immigration policies.&nbsp;
Moreno allegedly caused a disturbance on the deportation flight, after which the authorities placed him in a separate section under heightened security.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-my-cat-behind-indian-student-who-self-deported-from-us-says-columbia-let-me-down-8898168">'Left my cat behind...': Indian student who self-deported from US says, 'Columbia let me down'</a>
<h2>How did it start?</h2>
Moreno illegally entered the US illegally via the Texas border in April 2022. However, he failed to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins, which led to his arrest in Ohio in March 2024.&nbsp;
An immigration judge ordered his deportation in October 2023, but at the time, Venezuela did not accept US deportation flights.&nbsp;
However after Trump began pushing the deportations, Moreno was transferred to an ICE detention centre in Texas.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-women-children-restrained-us-responds-to-indias-concerns-of-mistreatment-of-deportees-8897769">&lsquo;No women, children restrained&rsquo;: US responds to India&rsquo;s concerns of mistreatment of deportees</a>
While he was in the US, Moreno's social media posts caused public outrage. Frequently, he showcased wads of cash while claiming he didn't "cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave".&nbsp;
Moreover, he also bragged about using his US-born child to boost his social media presence, claiming his daughter's birth was fully funded by "Papa Biden".&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
NEW: The illegal immigrant influencer who was coaching other illegals on how to squat in American homes, has been deported to Venezuela. The ultimate FAFO. Leonel Moreno was seen giving a "thumbs up" while being escorted off the plane. He illegally crossed the border under&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/m3AN0X9UaL">pic.twitter.com/m3AN0X9UaL</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1905694017754743067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His remarks were seen as a mockery of the US welfare system, which attracted online backlash.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-student-permanent-us-resident-sues-trump-administration-for-trying-to-deport-her-8887931">Columbia University student, permanent US resident, sues Trump administration for trying to deport her</a>
Further, the ICE was also probing Moreno's possible history as a sergeant in Venezuela's military intelligence service.&nbsp;
Notably, his social media activity, which included posts featuring firearms raised concerns.&nbsp;
Before he was deported, Moreno claimed that he was a victim of injustice in both Venezuela and the US.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country&hellip; but they&rsquo;re doing the same thing to me here,&rdquo; he told reporters.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/planning-a-us-trip-know-your-rights-before-you-land-to-avoid-getting-detained-or-deported-8879888">Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Leonel Moreno used TikTok to boast about US welfare benefits and encouraged illegal crossers to stay in the US. He advised migrants to "invade abandoned houses".

A Venezuelan migrant who gained popularity for urging illegal border crossers to squat in American homes, has been deported back to Venezuela this week, according to The New York Post. Leonel Moreno used TikTok to boast about US welfare benefits and encouraged illegal crossers to stay in the US. He advised migrants to "invade abandoned houses". His deportation comes as US President Donald Trump continues to tighten immigration policies. Moreno allegedly caused a disturbance on the deportation flight, after which the authorities placed him in a separate section under heightened security. Also read: 'Left my cat behind...': Indian student who self-deported from US says, 'Columbia let me down' How did it start? Moreno illegally entered the US illegally via the Texas border in April 2022. However, he failed to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins, which led to his arrest in Ohio in March 2024. An immigration judge ordered his deportation in October 2023, but at the time, Venezuela did not accept US deportation flights. However after Trump began pushing the deportations, Moreno was transferred to an ICE detention centre in Texas. Also read: ‘No women, children restrained’: US responds to India’s concerns of mistreatment of deportees While he was in the US, Moreno's social media posts caused public outrage. Frequently, he showcased wads of cash while claiming he didn't "cross the Rio Grande to work like a slave". Moreover, he also bragged about using his US-born child to boost his social media presence, claiming his daughter's birth was fully funded by "Papa Biden". NEW: The illegal immigrant influencer who was coaching other illegals on how to squat in American homes, has been deported to Venezuela. The ultimate FAFO. Leonel Moreno was seen giving a "thumbs up" while being escorted off the plane. He illegally crossed the border under… pic.twitter.com/m3AN0X9UaL — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 28, 2025 His remarks were seen as a mockery of the US welfare system, which attracted online backlash. Also read: Columbia University student, permanent US resident, sues Trump administration for trying to deport her Further, the ICE was also probing Moreno's possible history as a sergeant in Venezuela's military intelligence service. Notably, his social media activity, which included posts featuring firearms raised concerns. Before he was deported, Moreno claimed that he was a victim of injustice in both Venezuela and the US. “I came here to the United States because of persecution in my country… but they’re doing the same thing to me here,” he told reporters. Also read: Planning a US trip? Know your rights before you land to avoid getting detained or deported (With inputs from agencies)

'Papa Biden funded my daughter's birth': Migrant influencer kicked out of US; urged illegals to squat in American homes

So, as the Trump Administration expands its immigration crackdown, the US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador's terrorism confinement center where hundreds of Venezuelans have been deported from the United States on very contested grounds. During her visit, Noem in fact toured the prison at Tecoluca along with El Salvador's Minister of Justice and Public Security, Gustavo Villatoro. Watch in for more details!

US Homeland Security Secy issues immigration warning in front of El Salvador mega-prison inmates

The United States has announced a 25% tariff on any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela. The decision is expected to impact key buyers like China, India, Spain, Italy, and Cuba. Analysts suggest this tariff could push Venezuela to offer deeper discounts on its oil, similar to previous US Sanctions that forced lower prices.

Trump threatens Venezuelan oil importers with new 25% tariff

Trump hits Venezuelan oil buyers with 25% tariff

US President Donald Trump has declared that from 2 April 2025, any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The move marks a further escalation in Trump&rsquo;s trade disputes with both rivals and long-standing allies.
"Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse," Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social. "Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artist-must-have-lost-her-talent-trump-melts-down-over-bad-picture-says-obamas-portrait-looks-wonderful-8886034">'Artist must have lost her talent': Trump melts down over &lsquo;bad picture&rsquo;, says Obama&rsquo;s portrait &lsquo;looks wonderful&rsquo;</a>
He went on to say, "All documentation will be signed and registered, and the Tariff will take place on April 2nd, 2025, LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA."
The announcement comes just over a week before Trump could move ahead with what he refers to as "retaliatory tariffs" on all US trading partners. These tariffs, set to be introduced on the same date, are part of his long-standing pledge to rebalance trade and bring in extra revenue as Republicans prepare a new tax and spending bill.
However, reports on Monday suggested that the White House might adopt a more targeted strategy than previously expected. Rather than applying tariffs broadly, the administration could focus on what it&rsquo;s calling the &ldquo;dirty 15&rdquo; the small group of countries, roughly 15 per cent of the total, that have the most unbalanced trade relationships with the US.
This more selective approach follows Trump&rsquo;s comments last Friday, where he hinted there might be some &ldquo;flexibility&rdquo; in how the tariffs are rolled out.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-vs-trump-latest-who-are-houthis-and-will-war-expand-to-israel-uae-saudi-iran-after-trump-warning-to-iran-8885607">Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand?</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse," Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social.

US President Donald Trump has declared that from 2 April 2025, any country purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela will face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States. The move marks a further escalation in Trump’s trade disputes with both rivals and long-standing allies. "Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse," Trump wrote on his platform, Truth Social. "Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country," he added. Also read: 'Artist must have lost her talent': Trump melts down over ‘bad picture’, says Obama’s portrait ‘looks wonderful’ He went on to say, "All documentation will be signed and registered, and the Tariff will take place on April 2nd, 2025, LIBERATION DAY IN AMERICA." The announcement comes just over a week before Trump could move ahead with what he refers to as "retaliatory tariffs" on all US trading partners. These tariffs, set to be introduced on the same date, are part of his long-standing pledge to rebalance trade and bring in extra revenue as Republicans prepare a new tax and spending bill. However, reports on Monday suggested that the White House might adopt a more targeted strategy than previously expected. Rather than applying tariffs broadly, the administration could focus on what it’s calling the “dirty 15” the small group of countries, roughly 15 per cent of the total, that have the most unbalanced trade relationships with the US. This more selective approach follows Trump’s comments last Friday, where he hinted there might be some “flexibility” in how the tariffs are rolled out. Also read: Who are Houthis, directly challenging Trump's mighty military? Leaders taken out, missiles fly, war to expand? (With inputs from agencies)

'Very hostile': Trump vows 25% tariff on countries buying oil from Venezuela

The Trump administration deported hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador and Honduras, defying a federal judge's order halting such actions under an 18th-century law aimed at Venezuelan gang members. Officials confirmed two deportation flights were airborne when the ruling was issued. Watch to know more!

Trump invokes wartime law to deport Venezuelans despite halt by federal judge

The Venezuelan Governor said that it has dismantled a terrorist group that was allegedly preparing to attack military bases and other terrorist activities. Watch this report for more details!

Plot to attack Venezuelan military posts?

The US has deported nearly 200 Venezuelan immigrants in the first repatriation flight since an agreement between both nations. While the US claims many were criminals, Venezuela denies the allegations. This marks a shift in US immigration policy toward Venezuela.

First US deportation flight sends Venezuelan immigrants home

The U.S. has confiscated a jet owned by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the Dominican Republic. This action comes as Senator Marco Rubio is touring Central America, highlighting growing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The move signals a further escalation in Washington's efforts to pressure Maduro's government amid ongoing political and economic crises in Venezuela.

US seizes Venezuelan President's jet in Santo Domingo amid Rubio’s central America tour

U.S. seizes Venezuelan President's jet in Dominican Republic amid Rubio’s central America tour

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro calls for a nationwide public debate to address key issues, aiming to foster dialogue and solutions amidst ongoing political and economic challenges.

Venezuelan President Maduro urges public debate amid ongoing national issues

During his speech, Maduro talked about the number of alleged mercenaries detained in Venezuela for trying to undermine his government, saying they numbered more than 150 and came from 25 countries. Watch this report for more details!

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro gives annual address to the nation amid tensions

Days after being sworn in as Venezuela's president for a third term, Nicolás Maduro addressed the nation on Wednesday. The incumbent leader spoke at the Teresa Carreño Theater with thousands of supporters in attendance. Watch in for more details!

Venezuela: Nicolas Maduro addresses thousands of supporters in Caracas

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro claimed a "victory of democracy" as he was sworn in Friday for a third six-year term. Watch this report for more details!

Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro sworn in for third term

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has been freed following a brief detention. The Venezuelan government has denied any involvement in her arrest, which has sparked controversy and raised concerns over political tensions in the country. Watch the full story on her release and the government's response.

Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Machado arrested and freed after leading Caracas protests

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