How the White House Justifies the Strikes

Why is Donald Trump intent on targeting Venezuela, and what’s really behind the continued targeting of boats in the Carribean Sea? The U.S. military began attacking vessels in early September, and have maintained - without evidence - that the people killed in these military strikes were ‘terrorists’ and drug smugglers for cartels and criminal gangs.

In this episode, Sarah and Anthony look at why the Trump administration has focused its rhetoric on President Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, and how seriously we should take the president’s threat of land strikes. Will Maduro’s attempts to calm the situation make a difference? Also, the Americast team discuss how the tension is spilling over into other South American countries, with the president of Columbia claiming the Trump administration has “murdered” a Columbian fisherman.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles and Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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