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US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, threatening him in the process. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday, Trump confirmed that Maduro had offered "everything" to ease US tensions, including Venezuela's natural resources. However, the context behind these concessions remains unclear.
According to reports, Maduro has recently strengthened his security powers and deployed troops around the country in an apparent attempt to shore up his authority. The Venezuelan government has also floated proposals for Maduro's eventual departure from office, with Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge reportedly working through intermediaries in Qatar to present themselves as alternatives.
In response to these developments, the US has acknowledged carrying out at least five strikes on vessels near Venezuela that it says were transporting drugs, killing at least 27 people. The most recent strike targeted a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in survivors who are being held on a navy ship.
While Trump has justified the strikes as part of an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, human rights experts have warned that the use of overwhelming military force and covert action inside Venezuela may violate international law. Juanita Goebertus Estrada, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, described the attacks as extrajudicial executions and violations of international human rights law.
The strikes have caused unease among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans expressing concerns about the lack of information regarding how the strikes were conducted. Trump's outburst against Maduro has also sparked debate about his use of profanity in diplomatic language.
It remains to be seen what concessions, if any, will be made between the US and Venezuela in the coming days.
According to reports, Maduro has recently strengthened his security powers and deployed troops around the country in an apparent attempt to shore up his authority. The Venezuelan government has also floated proposals for Maduro's eventual departure from office, with Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge reportedly working through intermediaries in Qatar to present themselves as alternatives.
In response to these developments, the US has acknowledged carrying out at least five strikes on vessels near Venezuela that it says were transporting drugs, killing at least 27 people. The most recent strike targeted a suspected drug vessel in the Caribbean on Thursday, resulting in survivors who are being held on a navy ship.
While Trump has justified the strikes as part of an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, human rights experts have warned that the use of overwhelming military force and covert action inside Venezuela may violate international law. Juanita Goebertus Estrada, Americas director at Human Rights Watch, described the attacks as extrajudicial executions and violations of international human rights law.
The strikes have caused unease among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with some Republicans expressing concerns about the lack of information regarding how the strikes were conducted. Trump's outburst against Maduro has also sparked debate about his use of profanity in diplomatic language.
It remains to be seen what concessions, if any, will be made between the US and Venezuela in the coming days.