Global News Podcast Venezuela Special: Q&A
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Jan 6, 2026 
In this insightful discussion, Sumi Somaskanda, a BBC correspondent on the Venezuela–Colombia border, shares first-hand experiences about migration and the dire consequences of the US operation to target Nicolás Maduro. Paul Adams, the BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, delves into the complex legal implications and charges against Maduro, exploring narco-terrorism and international law. The conversation also covers the future of Venezuela's oil reserves and the crucial role of military loyalty in the country's stability.
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US Cited Drugs — But Oil And Migration Mattered
- The US justified the operation by designating Maduro as head of a drug trafficking network posing a direct threat to the United States.
- Broader motives such as access to Venezuelan oil and migration control were also highlighted by Sumi Somaskanda.
Local Sources Report High Death Toll
- Reliable tallies are hard to get, but local sources reported dozens killed in the strikes, including at least 32 Cuban security personnel.
- An anonymous doctors' network recorded at least 70 deaths and multiple bodies taken to morgues, indicating civilian impact too.
Legal Divide Between International And Domestic Law
- International law deems use of force unlawful without UN Security Council approval or a direct threat, so consensus is lacking on legality.
- US domestic law allows federal agencies to pursue arrests abroad, and courts will focus on charges rather than how Maduro was captured, Paul Adams said.