How tensions between the US and Venezuela escalated into strikes

After months of rising tensions and a build-up of US warships in the Caribbean, the United States has struck Venezuela. US President Donald Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured and taken out of the country; much of what has happened or is still happening remains unclear.

Tensions began to escalate in September, when Mr Trump accused Mr Maduro of heading a drugs cartel, a claim the source says was made without evidence. The following month the Trump administration said the US was in "armed conflict" with drug cartels and accused Mr Maduro of a major role in supplying illegal drugs that kill Americans; Mr Maduro denies those allegations.

US data cited in the source describe Venezuela as a transit country for cocaine bound for Europe and America and a haven for criminal groups, but not a source of fentanyl. The US campaign of strikes against boats in the region has killed 115 people and prompted outcry; US officials say the vessels were used by gangs, but the administration has released no evidence to support assertions those killed were "narco-terrorists." Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, but corruption, underfunding and years of sanctions have impeded development.

Mr Maduro has accused the US of wanting Venezuela's oil. Analysts quoted in the source say oil may interest Mr Trump, but a larger strategic concern is Venezuela's alignment with China and Russia.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, Drug Cartels, Venezuelan Oil