Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has intensified his condemnation of U.S. policies this week, calling for an end to Washington's "illegal interventionism" during a rally in Caracas commemorating the 166th anniversary of the Battle of Santa Inés. The remarks come amid heightened military posturing and fresh economic sanctions that have further strained bilateral relations.
Maduro's Address: A Call Against Intervention
Speaking to supporters on Wednesday, Maduro accused the U.S. of pursuing regime change through "coups and invasions" while praising American citizens opposing military escalation. His comments followed recent U.S. naval deployments near Venezuela's coast, which Washington claims target drug trafficking—a justification dismissed by Caracas as a pretext for destabilization.
Sanctions and Seizures Escalate Conflict
The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions Thursday targeting three relatives of Maduro's wife, a business ally, and six Venezuelan oil shipping firms. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessert accused Maduro's circle of "flooding the U.S. with drugs." Hours later, the Pentagon confirmed seizing a Venezuelan-flagged oil tanker allegedly linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with White House officials hinting at further maritime actions.
International Appeals for Restraint
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged de-escalation through spokesperson Farhan Haq, emphasizing adherence to international law. The developments coincide with Venezuela's efforts to strengthen regional alliances, as Latin American leaders monitor potential spillover effects on energy markets and migration patterns.
