What is happening in Venezuela?
Asked 23 hours ago
Answer
Venezuela faces heightened tensions with the U.S., including increased American military presence in the Caribbean, oil tanker seizures, and threats of intervention. The U.S. aims to pressure President Maduro, citing drug trafficking and oil interests, while Maduro accuses the U.S. of seeking regime change. The situation has led to protests, economic hardship, and divided public opinion both in Venezuela and among its diaspora.
Now Playing
Video shows U.S. seizure of oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela
- U.S. Coast Guard seizes Venezuelan oil tanker off Venezuela's coast
- Operation involved helicopters and was completed without resistance 6s
- Tanker was sanctioned for alleged ties to terrorist groups, including Hezbollah 1m 3s
- This is the first tanker seizure since U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean 1m 21s
- Venezuela condemns the seizure as theft and international piracy 2m 17s
References
Venezuela claims the U.S. seeks regime change and control of its oil reserves, while the U.S. states its military buildup targets drug trafficking. The deployment of 15,000 U.S. troops marks the largest presence in the Caribbean since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Amid economic crisis, calls for political change intensify as the U.S. increases its military presence and threatens attacks on Venezuelan soil. The government accuses the U.S. of targeting oil reserves and seeking regime change.