Maria Corina Machado’s recent Nobel Prize win has been positively received by Venezuela’s opposition, with hopes that it will attract renewed international attention to their situation. Following the announcement, Machado called for support from former President Donald Trump, stating, “Today more than ever we count on President Trump.” She expressed aspirations that aid from the U.S., other Latin American nations, and “democratic nations of the world” could help Venezuela achieve freedom and democracy.
Currently, Venezuela faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty, unreliable basic services, and a health care crisis marked by acute shortages of medicine. In recent years, millions have fled the country, seeking refuge in the U.S. and neighboring countries. The last election is widely regarded as neither free nor fair, with security forces cracking down on protests, leading to many detentions. Human rights groups report hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated.
Military pressure from the U.S. has escalated, as recent actions include bombing alleged drug-trafficking boats in international waters off Venezuela’s coast. Legal experts suggest these strikes could violate international law. However, the U.S. has claimed to be engaged in a “non-international armed conflict,” which may be a strategy to justify wartime powers against supposed drug cartels. While certain criminal organizations, such as Tren de Aragua, are present in the area, the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean raises questions about broader objectives regarding the Maduro administration rather than simply countering drug trafficking.
The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential military operations and has built up a troop presence in the region. In Venezuela, the public and government officials alike are bracing for possible U.S. attacks. The situation remains volatile, with concerns that any intervention could escalate quickly. Various international actors, including China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, continue to support Venezuela, complicating the geopolitical landscape further.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crmegp9lkjro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss