The conflict between the United States and Venezuela has intensified, initially centered on combating drug trafficking. The US government released videos showing military attacks on boats allegedly smuggling drugs toward the US, actions described by critics as violations of international law, while the US framed them as legitimate efforts against “drug terrorists.” Venezuela’s government, led by Maduro, whom the US does not recognize as president due to disputed elections, has been accused of involvement in drug trafficking.

Recently, the dispute has expanded with the US seizing an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, alleging links to illegal oil transport supporting foreign terrorist groups. President Trump has connected the US military presence near Venezuela to securing Venezuelan oil and assets, demanding their return after Venezuela nationalized oil fields in the early 2000s. Maduro accuses the US of aiming to provoke regime change to control the country’s vast oil reserves, which are among the largest globally but have seen declining production due to sanctions and mismanagement.