The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced fresh sanctions on December 20, 2025, targeting relatives and associates of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's family, accusing them of propping up what it called a "rogue narco-state." The measures specifically name Carlos Erik Malpica Flores' mother, father, sister, wife, and daughter, following Malpica Flores' own sanctions last week over alleged corruption at state oil firm PDVSA.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "We will not allow Venezuela to continue flooding our nation with deadly drugs," reaffirming the Trump administration's commitment to dismantling networks supporting Maduro. Venezuela’s government has repeatedly denied U.S. accusations of criminal ties, framing the sanctions as part of a broader effort to seize control of its oil reserves.
The announcement coincides with heightened military activity in the southern Caribbean, where the U.S. has conducted strikes on suspected drug vessels and enforced a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. President Donald Trump reiterated this week that military action against Venezuela "remains on the table."
In a parallel move, the Treasury extended protections for Citgo Petroleum—a U.S.-based subsidiary of PDVSA—from creditors until February 3, 2026, shortening previous six-month relief periods. This comes as a U.S. court greenlit the sale of shares in Citgo’s parent company to settle $5.9 billion in claims linked to Venezuela’s debt defaults, pending Treasury approval.
The developments underscore Washington’s dual focus: applying maximum pressure on Caracas while safeguarding Citgo’s strategic refineries on American soil. Analysts warn the escalating standoff could further destabilize global energy markets, with implications for Asia’s oil-dependent economies.
