New Sanctions on Venezuelan Leaders: A Closer Look
Recently, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: Franqui Flores, Carlos Flores, and Efrain Campo. This move is part of an ongoing effort by President Trump to increase pressure on Venezuela amid ongoing political and humanitarian crises.
Along with the Flores cousins, Panamanian businessman Ramon Carretero is also sanctioned. He is accused of facilitating oil shipments for the Maduro regime and has ties with the Flores family through several business ventures.
These sanctions block any U.S. property or financial assets owned by these individuals. They also prevent American companies and citizens from doing business with them. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, these actions aim to hold Maduro and his associates accountable for their alleged involvement in drug trafficking that affects the U.S. population.
Historically, the relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela has been tense. For instance, in October 2022, Venezuela released seven Americans, including the Flores cousins, in exchange for U.S. concessions. These men were arrested in a drug sting operation back in 2015.
Interestingly, Carlos Flores was sanctioned back in July 2017 but was removed from the list in 2022 as part of an effort to foster discussions around democratic elections in Venezuela.
The U.S. has also ramped up military operations against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in at least 87 deaths since early September. Trump labeled these attacks necessary to combat the influx of drugs into the U.S., framing the situation as part of an “armed conflict” with drug cartels.
This latest round of sanctions illustrates the ongoing struggle for power and stability in Venezuela. As the situation evolves, it’s crucial to remain informed about these developments and their implications not just for Venezuela, but for the broader geopolitical landscape.
For more on U.S. foreign policies regarding Venezuela, you can read this report by PBS News.
