US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on Venezuela have sparked controversy, with critics calling it an oil gambit aimed at reshaping US–Venezuela relations. The regime in Caracas may be leveraging its vast oil reserves to gain Trump’s political support and ensure its survival. This opinion piece examines the geopolitical risks, energy stakes, and what Trump’s comments could mean for Venezuela’s future and global oil markets.

Trump's High-Stakes Venezuela Oil Gambit 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday called on the US to target Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechnya region, with an "operation" comparable to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.


Zelensky urges Trump to capture Chechen head Kadyrov,  quips on after S' capture of Maduro

The United States has seized a Russia-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan oil exports. Moscow has condemned the move as an act of piracy, escalating tensions amid ongoing disputes over global energy flows and sanctions.

U.S. Seizes Russia-Flagged Venezuelan Tanker, Russia Calls the Move an Act of Piracy

Growler Jets: U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets disrupted Venezuela's radar and communications during Operation Absolute Resolve, neutralizing outdated Russian and Chinese air defenses to enable special forces to capture Nicolás Maduro.


Growler Jets: U.S. Gamechanger in Maduro Capture 

U.S.-Venezuela: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared "maximum leverage" over Venezuela's interim authorities post-Maduro capture, dictating decisions via oil control and sanctions.


U.S.-Venezuela: U.S. To Use 'Maximum Leverage' on Venezuela

The US special forces commandeered a Russian-flagged oil tanker with links to Venezuela in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit, drawing a sharp rebuke from Moscow.


US Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker Linked to Venezuela

White House asserts maximum leverage over Venezuela's interim government via oil control and sanctions, as Secretary Rubio outlines a structured plan for stability, economic recovery, and political transition.


Rubio: Stability, Recovery, Transition Plan for Venezuela

Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed a phased approach for Venezuela-first stabilizing security, then enabling oil recovery with Western firms and amnesty for opposition, culminating in governmental transition-backed by White House claims of "maximum leverage" through seized oil and sanctions

Rubio: America Not Winging Venezuela Strategy 

During the US military operation to capture the now-ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the EA-18G Growler aircraft played an important role. These advanced planes were key in disrupting Venezuela’s air defense systems, allowing US forces to operate more securely in the country’s airspace.

US Growler Jets Played Key Role in Operation to Capture Maduro 

U.S. EA‑18G Growler electronic‑warfare jets played a key role in jamming Venezuela’s radar and air‑defence systems during the operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. These specialised aircraft don’t drop bombs — instead they emit powerful electronic signals that overwhelm enemy radar and communications, creating false targets and preventing surface‑to‑air missiles from locking onto incoming aircraft.

How U.S. Growler Jets Played Key Role in Jamming Venezuela's Radars

Russia vs US: The Bella 1 oil tanker, carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude, executed a dramatic name change to Marinera and switched registration to Russia on December 31, 2025, after U.S. Coast Guard pursuit near Venezuela, becoming the 17th shadow fleet vessel to seek Moscow's protection in recent weeks amid Trump's "complete blockade" on Maduro-linked energy flows post his January 3 capture.


Russia vs US: Report suggests Russia sends submarine to escort tanker pursued by US 

Washington’s dramatic move against Venezuela has largely been framed as a bid to gain control over the country’s vast oil reserves, the largest in the world. But analysts say the crisis runs deeper than oil. Venezuela is also rich in critical minerals that are essential for modern technology and Defence industries.

Critical Minerals Add New Dimension to Venezuela Crisis

Donald Trump accused Maduro of killing “millions of people” and alleged that Venezuela runs “a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas.”


US-Venezuela: Trump Accuses Venezuela's Maduro of Torture & Mass Killings

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he is “deeply alarmed” over the standoff between the United States and Venezuela in recent months, which culminated on Saturday morning in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces.

Ipsos Polls: 33% Americans Approve US Strikes on Venezuela

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which involved drawing comparisons with Venezuela. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took it to the social media platform X, expressing outrage over Chavan’s statement and accusing Congress of sinking to new lows.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bhandari criticised Chavan for suggesting that India could face a situation similar to Venezuela, saying, "Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has shamelessly drawn a parallel between India’s situation and Venezuela. His remarks show a clear anti-India mindset." This came after Chavan reportedly questioned whether India could face the same fate as Venezuela, referencing the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-boyfriend-charged-with-murder-of-nikitha-godishala-after-financial-dispute-comes-to-light-1767702082916">Ex-boyfriend charged with murder of Nikitha Godishala after financial dispute comes to light</a>&nbsp;In a video clip shared by Bhandari, Chavan is seen questioning, "The real question is whether what happened in Venezuela could happen in India. Will Mr. Trump kidnap our Prime Minister?" Chavan’s comment has yet to receive an official response from him or Congress. Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid also expressed disapproval, asking why Chavan wasn’t ashamed of his words. In a video message on X, Vaid questioned Chavan's loyalty to the country, saying, "It shows that some Congress leaders have so much frustration and they are giving anti-India statements...Why didn't your head hang in shame before saying this? Are you not a countryman? It is humiliating for Venezuela what Trump and the US did to them. Do you want this to happen in your country? You hate Modji so much?" Vaid said in a video message on X. &nbsp;The controversy followed after US President Donald Trump announced that US forces had captured Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela, accusing him of narco-terrorism. Several countries condemned the action, while India expressed its concern and called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis in Venezuela.

Congress leader’s ‘Will Trump kidnap our PM?’ remark draws BJP’s ‘anti-India’ retort

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan's recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which involved drawing comparisons with Venezuela. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took it to the social media platform X, expressing outrage over Chavan’s statement and accusing Congress of sinking to new lows. Bhandari criticised Chavan for suggesting that India could face a situation similar to Venezuela, saying, "Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan has shamelessly drawn a parallel between India’s situation and Venezuela. His remarks show a clear anti-India mindset." This came after Chavan reportedly questioned whether India could face the same fate as Venezuela, referencing the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Also Read: Ex-boyfriend charged with murder of Nikitha Godishala after financial dispute comes to light In a video clip shared by Bhandari, Chavan is seen questioning, "The real question is whether what happened in Venezuela could happen in India. Will Mr. Trump kidnap our Prime Minister?" Chavan’s comment has yet to receive an official response from him or Congress. Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid also expressed disapproval, asking why Chavan wasn’t ashamed of his words. In a video message on X, Vaid questioned Chavan's loyalty to the country, saying, "It shows that some Congress leaders have so much frustration and they are giving anti-India statements...Why didn't your head hang in shame before saying this? Are you not a countryman? It is humiliating for Venezuela what Trump and the US did to them. Do you want this to happen in your country? You hate Modji so much?" Vaid said in a video message on X. The controversy followed after US President Donald Trump announced that US forces had captured Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela, accusing him of narco-terrorism. Several countries condemned the action, while India expressed its concern and called for peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis in Venezuela.

BJP lashes out at Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan after he compared India’s situation with Venezuela. The BJP criticised Chavan for making anti-India statements

Trump's new plan to “run” the Latin American country Venezuela with 30 million people could see Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller thrust into a position of power as Secretary of State Marco Rubio is busy. After the stunning capture of the ousted leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores, US President Donald Trump seized the country's oil reserves and claimed that they are not at war with Venezuela. But he would not need Congressional approval to send a second strike. However, the important question remains who is actually ‘running’ the country. Vice President Delcy Rodrigues has taken control of the military, and the Supreme Court has put her in the role of acting President of Venezuela.&nbsp;&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, in a telephonic interview with NBC News, suggested that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will jointly run the country when asked who will be leading, Trump said, “Me.” There is no clear legal and institutional framework for how the United States could run a country of 30 million, but that did not stop Trump from threatening “boots on the ground” and demanding “total access” from the Venezuelan interim leadership.&nbsp;According to reports from the Washington Post, the President is relying on a handful of business insiders to look after foreign affairs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the nation's top diplomat. He was supposedly the &nbsp;"Venezuela hawk' and was reportedly the most desirable candidate to shoulder the responsibility. But he has his hands full as acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development, and acting archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration. So the responsibility of day-to-day monitoring could likely fall on Stephen Miller.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">COLLINS: Stephen, you&#39;re part of the group the president has said is running Venezuela. What exactly are your day to day responsibilities? STEPHEN MILLER: .... heh heh heh. The president has asked Secretary Rubio to be the lead. COLLINS: But what are you specifically doing?… <a href="https://t.co/6atA9G3hE8">pic.twitter.com/6atA9G3hE8</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/2008359708571123741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stephen Miller is the architect behind the Project 2025 and the Trump administration's aggressive deportation project, close to 3000 immigrants per day. Miller was also heavily involved in the alleged drug war in Mexico and Venezuela. Miller, late at night, went on an ahistorical pro-empire rant on social media, which appeared like a bad imperial fever dream. The post talks about the premise of the Great Replacement theory, a far-right conspiracy theory floated by the French author Renaud Camus, which imagines a kind of reverse colonisation taking place from the third world countries toward the empires of old.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not long after World War II the West dissolved its empires and colonies and began sending colossal sums of taxpayer-funded aid to these former territories (despite have already made them far wealthier and more successful). The West opened its borders, a kind of reverse…&mdash; Stephen Miller (@StephenM) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/2008035701804208224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump claims the US will “run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, with Stephen Miller emerging as a key figure amid legal and political uncertainty.

Trump's new plan to “run” the Latin American country Venezuela with 30 million people could see Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller thrust into a position of power as Secretary of State Marco Rubio is busy. After the stunning capture of the ousted leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife Cilia Flores, US President Donald Trump seized the country's oil reserves and claimed that they are not at war with Venezuela. But he would not need Congressional approval to send a second strike. However, the important question remains who is actually ‘running’ the country. Vice President Delcy Rodrigues has taken control of the military, and the Supreme Court has put her in the role of acting President of Venezuela. US President Donald Trump, in a telephonic interview with NBC News, suggested that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller will jointly run the country when asked who will be leading, Trump said, “Me.” There is no clear legal and institutional framework for how the United States could run a country of 30 million, but that did not stop Trump from threatening “boots on the ground” and demanding “total access” from the Venezuelan interim leadership. According to reports from the Washington Post, the President is relying on a handful of business insiders to look after foreign affairs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the nation's top diplomat. He was supposedly the "Venezuela hawk' and was reportedly the most desirable candidate to shoulder the responsibility. But he has his hands full as acting administrator of the US Agency for International Development, and acting archivist for the National Archives and Records Administration. So the responsibility of day-to-day monitoring could likely fall on Stephen Miller.

Donald Trump claims the US will “run” Venezuela after Maduro’s capture, with Stephen Miller emerging as a key figure amid legal and political uncertainty.

Will Stephen Miller 'Run' Venezuela? Trump’s plan raises alarm

Following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, a key Venezuelan opposition leader has strongly criticized Rodriguez, calling for political accountability. The developments highlight ongoing tensions in Venezuela’s political landscape and the struggle between government and opposition forces. Stay updated on the latest news from Caracas and Venezuela’s evolving crisis.

Venezuela Crisis: Rodriguez Faces Opposition Backlash After Maduro’s Capture in Venezuela

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said he is “deeply alarmed” over the standoff between the United States and Venezuela in recent months, which culminated on Saturday morning in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US special forces.


Concerns Over US Involvement in Venezuela

The much-publicised Cartel de los Soles, which was allegedly a leading drug trafficking network from Venezuela, does not exist. That was the pretext used by US President Donald Trump to justify a campaign against Venezuela and the abduction of its President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. Instead, the term Cartel de los Soles is a slang used to define a “patronage system” and “culture of corruption” that is fueled by drug money.&nbsp; In March 2020, the Justice Department's indictment mentioned Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) 32 times. It mentioned that the group provides weapons to a Colombian Marxist rebel group, FARC, which funded its militant activities through drug trafficking and flooding the United States with cocaine.&nbsp; However, in the 2026 DOJ indictment, the term appears only twice, referring to a culture allegedly supported by successive Venezuelan Presidents Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. The original drug trafficking pretext for Maduro's kidnapping has been largely dismissed by many of the US allies and adversaries. Now the tacit admission by the DOJ of the absence of an actual Cartel de los Soles reveals the true motivation behind the US imperialist campaign.&nbsp; “Let me get this straight: We go to a country, we capture their leader, we bomb it, &amp; then we say we run this country now — and that's not war. But when they send cocaine over here, that people are willingly snorting — that is war. That doesn't make any sense,” said Kat Timf, a political commentator at Fox News.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MacCALLUM: You have about 100,000 dying from drug overdoses, most of those drugs from from Venezuela and other places CROW: That&#39;s actually not true. The majority of the deaths by drugs in America are the result of meth and fentanyl. Almost none of that comes from Venezuela <a href="https://t.co/xp3TmcYDyG">pic.twitter.com/xp3TmcYDyG</a>&mdash; Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) <a href="https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/2008277428406239534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Experts in Latin American crime and narcotics have long argued that the term was a figure of speech, a slang coined by the Venezuelan media for corrupt officials bearing a sun insignia on their uniforms. Neither the United Nations' annual World Drug Report nor the DEA's annual National Drug Threat Assessment mention Cartel de los Soles.&nbsp; Nevertheless, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared, “We will continue to reserve the right to take strikes against drug boats that are bringing drugs toward the United States that are being operated by transnational criminal organisations, including the Cartel de los Soles.”

The Cartel de los Soles is not a real drug cartel. Experts and US indictments reveal how Trump used the myth to justify action against Venezuela.

The much-publicised Cartel de los Soles, which was allegedly a leading drug trafficking network from Venezuela, does not exist. That was the pretext used by US President Donald Trump to justify a campaign against Venezuela and the abduction of its President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores. Instead, the term Cartel de los Soles is a slang used to define a “patronage system” and “culture of corruption” that is fueled by drug money. In March 2020, the Justice Department's indictment mentioned Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) 32 times. It mentioned that the group provides weapons to a Colombian Marxist rebel group, FARC, which funded its militant activities through drug trafficking and flooding the United States with cocaine. However, in the 2026 DOJ indictment, the term appears only twice, referring to a culture allegedly supported by successive Venezuelan Presidents Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. The original drug trafficking pretext for Maduro's kidnapping has been largely dismissed by many of the US allies and adversaries. Now the tacit admission by the DOJ of the absence of an actual Cartel de los Soles reveals the true motivation behind the US imperialist campaign. “Let me get this straight: We go to a country, we capture their leader, we bomb it, & then we say we run this country now — and that's not war. But when they send cocaine over here, that people are willingly snorting — that is war. That doesn't make any sense,” said Kat Timf, a political commentator at Fox News.

The Cartel de los Soles is not a real drug cartel. Experts and US indictments reveal how Trump used the myth to justify action against Venezuela.

DOJ silently admits there is no drug trafficking group named Cartel de los Soles

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said Monday she plans to return home "as soon as possible", and slammed the interim president in Caracas. The Nobel Prize winner vowed to "turn Venezuela into the energy hub of the Americas" and dismantle the "'criminal structures" that have harmed her country's people, as ousted leader Nicolas Maduro pled not guilty to drug charges at a New York court. Follow our liveblog for all the latest.

Venezuela Crisis: Opposition Slams Rodriguez Post-Maduro Capture

Nicolas Maduro made his first US court appearance in New York, pleading not guilty to federal charges while insisting he is still Venezuela’s president. Maduro’s wife also pleaded not guilty to charges in the same hearing. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session to address the US operation and Maduro’s abduction, with Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, condemning the actions as illegal.

US-Venezuela Tensions: Maduro, Wife To Stay in Detention Centre Until Next Hearing

US President Donald Trump admitted that the ousted opposition leader and the Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado doesn't have the "support" and "respect" to govern the Venezuelan nation. This comes after a year of the Western media and journalists rallying around Maria Corina Machado and her candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, who was supposedly the “rightful” winner. According to them, Nicolas Maduro has allegedly stolen the election.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even though there were political divisions within Venezuela and the Bolivarian Revolution. But it did not constitute an overwhelming majority. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council said that the opposition party, months ahead of the election, started to claim that they would not accept the results. In fact, independent US media, Peoples Forum, Peoples Dispatch and Real News Network, have reported that claims by the US corporate media about a rigged 2024 Venezuelan election were circulated just hours after the polls closed. It cites more than 800 international election observers on the ground, which paints a very different picture.&nbsp;&nbsp;On January 3, 2026, the US conducted a military operation in Venezuela and abducted Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. Soon, when enquired about Maria Corina Machado as the potential leader. Trump responded, "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect."&nbsp;&nbsp;Machado had become an international figure following the election and the riot that ensued after the result. She continued her campaign within the international community, leaving out the impact of US sanctions, the multiple US-backed coup attempts in Venezuela since 2002.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">María Corina Machado is 100 % aligned with the US and president Trump: &quot;China lent, Russia armed and Iran entrenched itself. They bet on Maduro. And, like him, they are about to lose their investment.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/qLp8VaB9Oq">pic.twitter.com/qLp8VaB9Oq</a>&mdash; Emmanuel Rincón (@EmmaRincon) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmaRincon/status/1986206389585276985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">¿Dónde está el 70% que votó por Edmundo González? Son como el Cartel de los Soles, no existen. <a href="https://t.co/D0DxOYj1rV">pic.twitter.com/D0DxOYj1rV</a>&mdash; Doña Ligia 🇨🇴🇻🇪🇵🇸 (@ligia281243) <a href="https://twitter.com/ligia281243/status/2008123838421438753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Members of the Venezuelan opposition are now joining the anti-US protests across Venezuela <a href="https://t.co/fjRkBKsYXc">pic.twitter.com/fjRkBKsYXc</a>&mdash; Megatron (@Megatron_ron) <a href="https://twitter.com/Megatron_ron/status/2008171514961785138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Most of the Liberal and Conservative US Media, from ABC News, CNN, to Fox News, united in support of Machado. A report from the Washington Post claimed that Trump opposes Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado leading the country because she won the Nobel Peace Prize that he so desperately wanted. In an interview with NBC News, Trump said that it was not the case. She legitimately lacks support among Venezuelans.

Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado lacks support and respect to govern, contradicting Western media narratives after Maduro’s abduction.

US President Donald Trump admitted that the ousted opposition leader and the Nobel Prize winner Maria Corina Machado doesn't have the "support" and "respect" to govern the Venezuelan nation. This comes after a year of the Western media and journalists rallying around Maria Corina Machado and her candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, who was supposedly the “rightful” winner. According to them, Nicolas Maduro has allegedly stolen the election. Even though there were political divisions within Venezuela and the Bolivarian Revolution. But it did not constitute an overwhelming majority. Venezuela’s National Electoral Council said that the opposition party, months ahead of the election, started to claim that they would not accept the results. In fact, independent US media, Peoples Forum, Peoples Dispatch and Real News Network, have reported that claims by the US corporate media about a rigged 2024 Venezuelan election were circulated just hours after the polls closed. It cites more than 800 international election observers on the ground, which paints a very different picture. On January 3, 2026, the US conducted a military operation in Venezuela and abducted Nicolas Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores. Soon, when enquired about Maria Corina Machado as the potential leader. Trump responded, "I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn't have the support within or the respect within the country. She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect." Machado had become an international figure following the election and the riot that ensued after the result. She continued her campaign within the international community, leaving out the impact of US sanctions, the multiple US-backed coup attempts in Venezuela since 2002.

Donald Trump said Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado lacks support and respect to govern, contradicting Western media narratives after Maduro’s abduction.

Trump says Machado doesn’t have 'support' and 'respect' to govern

Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA has begun cutting crude production because it is running out of storage capacity due to an ongoing U.S. oil blockade that has reduced exports to zero, piling more pressure on an interim government trying to hang on to power in the face of U.S. threats of more military action.


Venezuela oil exports grind to halt, global oil supplies offset disrupted 

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in her first public remarks since a weekend social media post, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate vowed to return to her country, addressing the unfolding political crisis and reaffirming her commitment to the people.


US-Venezuela tensions: Machado says oppn will win 90% votes in free, fair elections

Nicolas Maduro made his first US court appearance in New York, pleading not guilty to federal charges while insisting he is still Venezuela’s president. Maduro’s wife also pleaded not guilty to charges in the same hearing. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session to address the US operation and Maduro’s abduction, with Venezuela’s UN ambassador, Samuel Moncada, condemning the actions as illegal.


US-Venezuela tensions: Maduro, wife to stay in detention centre until next hearing

Cuba is facing fresh economic strain as uncertainty grows over Venezuela. The island nation relies heavily on Venezuelan crude and refined products to fuel its ageing power grid and transport system. Any disruption in supplies could worsen the country’s chronic shortages and add pressure to its struggling economy.


Venezuelan Political Upheaval Threatens Cuba’s Energy Supply

The fall of Venezuela's maduro has brought renewed attention to the country's long running debt crisis. It is one of the largest unresolved sovereign defaults in the world.


How Much Debt Does Venezuela Owe to the World?

Venezuela’s main revenue source now faces fresh turmoil as the latest U.S. Action brings exports to a standstill. PDVSA , the state-run oil company, is cutting production and shutting down oilfields as storage fills up. Despite the turmoil, global oil prices remain steady, cushioned by ample supplies elsewhere.


Venezuela-U.S.: Export Standstill Hits Venezuela’s Main Revenue Source

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over drug trafficking charges, the US Navy's P-8 Poseidon was spotted circling a drug-smuggling hub off Mexico's coast on Monday morning. Notably, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Mexico over drug trafficking, raising fears of a similar action to that in Venezuela. According to flight tracking websites, the aircraft carried out surveillance and reconnaissance operations miles offshore from Tijuana, believed to be a major drug cartel corridor. Reports state that the plane took off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, flew through Oregon and California, did several rounds off the Mexican coast and southern California, before returning to base.<h2>Boeing P-8 Poseidon</h2> The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect targets both on the surface and underwater. These features help monitor suspicious vessels and maritime movements. The Pacific drug corridor is used by cartels to smuggle narcotics, including fentanyl, into the United States. The Poseidon's capability for both anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance makes it perfect for operations along this zone. Flying at speeds of over 900 kilometres per hour, it can reach altitudes of up to 41,000 feet.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-s-machado-labels-interim-president-as-architect-of-torture-narcotrafficking-vows-to-dismantle-criminal-structures-1767672570345">Venezuela’s Machado labels interim president as ‘architect of torture, narcotrafficking’, vows to ‘dismantle criminal structures’</a>&nbsp;Its in-flight refuelling system helps it stay airborne for hours at a time. The US has a total of 174 aircraft in its P-8 Poseidon fleet and has logged over 700,000 flight hours. It has been built to withstand all kinds of conditions for up to 25 years. According to Boeing, it can be upgraded to meet evolving threats. The P-8 has interoperability features and can work in tandem with other US and allied forces across land, sea, and air operations.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-venezuelan-parliament-head-vows-to-bring-back-maduro-1767670532693/embed<h2>What Trump said of Mexico drug cartel operations</h2> The flight comes after Trump raised concerns that drug cartels continue to dominate large parts of Mexico. He also slammed the government for failing to control these operations. "The cartels are running Mexico, whether you like it or not. It's not nice to say, but the cartels are running Mexico," he said. Trump even threatened Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in November to take action against drug cartels or face possible US military intervention. "Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs," Trump said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US Navy's P-8 Poseidon was seen doing several rounds over Tijuana, a drug-smuggling hub in Mexico. This flight comes after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured over the New Year's weekend. 

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over drug trafficking charges, the US Navy's P-8 Poseidon was spotted circling a drug-smuggling hub off Mexico's coast on Monday morning. Notably, US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Mexico over drug trafficking, raising fears of a similar action to that in Venezuela. According to flight tracking websites, the aircraft carried out surveillance and reconnaissance operations miles offshore from Tijuana, believed to be a major drug cartel corridor. Reports state that the plane took off from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, flew through Oregon and California, did several rounds off the Mexican coast and southern California, before returning to base. Boeing P-8 Poseidon The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect targets both on the surface and underwater. These features help monitor suspicious vessels and maritime movements. The Pacific drug corridor is used by cartels to smuggle narcotics, including fentanyl, into the United States. The Poseidon's capability for both anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance makes it perfect for operations along this zone. Flying at speeds of over 900 kilometres per hour, it can reach altitudes of up to 41,000 feet. Also Read: Venezuela’s Machado labels interim president as ‘architect of torture, narcotrafficking’, vows to ‘dismantle criminal structures’ Its in-flight refuelling system helps it stay airborne for hours at a time. The US has a total of 174 aircraft in its P-8 Poseidon fleet and has logged over 700,000 flight hours. It has been built to withstand all kinds of conditions for up to 25 years. According to Boeing, it can be upgraded to meet evolving threats. The P-8 has interoperability features and can work in tandem with other US and allied forces across land, sea, and air operations. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-venezuela-tensions-venezuelan-parliament-head-vows-to-bring-back-maduro-1767670532693/embed What Trump said of Mexico drug cartel operations The flight comes after Trump raised concerns that drug cartels continue to dominate large parts of Mexico. He also slammed the government for failing to control these operations. "The cartels are running Mexico, whether you like it or not. It's not nice to say, but the cartels are running Mexico," he said. Trump even threatened Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in November to take action against drug cartels or face possible US military intervention. "Would I launch strikes in Mexico to stop drugs? It's OK with me. Whatever we have to do to stop drugs," Trump said.

The US Navy's P-8 Poseidon was seen doing several rounds over Tijuana, a drug-smuggling hub in Mexico. This flight comes after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured over the New Year's weekend.&nbsp;

US spy jet P-8 Poseidon circles major drug hub off Mexico's coast. Could Venezuela-like operation be in the pipeline?

US-Venezuela tensions: UN Secretary-General Guterres says power of law must prevail 

US-Venezuela tensions: Venezuelan parliament head vows to bring back Maduro 

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