U.S. Steps Up Pressure on Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions

Kathmandu: The United States has intensified its stance toward Venezuela, signaling a new phase of confrontation with President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Recent moves include the deployment of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Caribbean, a show of force that underscores Washington’s readiness to escalate pressure.
American officials have also designated the “Cartel de los Soles,” a network allegedly involving Venezuelan military and political figures, as a foreign terrorist organization. The group is accused of links to narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Caracas has rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to undermine Venezuelan sovereignty.
The Biden administration has framed its actions as part of a wider effort to combat “narco-terrorism” and restore democratic governance in Venezuela. U.S. officials argue that Maduro’s government remains illegitimate, citing disputed elections and widespread human rights concerns. They warn that Venezuela’s growing ties with Russia, China, and Iran pose a strategic challenge in the Western Hemisphere.
Analysts note that Venezuela’s vast oil reserves remain a central factor in the dispute. Washington has long sought to limit Maduro’s ability to leverage energy exports, while Caracas has turned to alternative partners to bypass sanctions. The latest U.S. measures suggest a willingness to combine economic pressure with military signaling.
For its part, the Venezuelan government insists it is the target of aggression designed to destabilize the country. Officials in Caracas argue that Washington’s actions are aimed at securing control over Venezuela’s natural resources rather than promoting democracy.
The unfolding situation highlights the deepening geopolitical rivalry in Latin America, where Venezuela has become a focal point of U.S. foreign policy. Observers warn that the combination of sanctions, military maneuvers, and diplomatic isolation could push the crisis into a more volatile stage.