The Global Story

Is Trump looking for war with Venezuela?

Dec 22, 2025
Jorge Pérez Valeri, a BBC Mundo journalist from Venezuela, provides a gripping account of the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. He discusses the dire humanitarian crisis facing ordinary Venezuelans amid economic collapse and government repression. Jorge evaluates the US claims of Venezuela as a drug-trafficking state and the implications of a potential total blockade. He also sheds light on Venezuelan opinions about US intervention, revealing a community divided between fear and reluctant support for action.
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INSIGHT

US Military Campaign Escalation

  • The US began a sustained military campaign in the Caribbean citing drug interdiction and struck boats alleged to carry traffickers.
  • That campaign has included over 20 strikes and the seizure of an oil tanker, escalating tensions dramatically.
INSIGHT

Terrorist Designation And Blockade Threat

  • President Trump labelled Maduro's government a "foreign terrorist organization" and threatened a total blockade of sanctioned oil tankers.
  • The administration accuses Maduro of using oil revenues to finance drug terrorism and criminality.
ANECDOTE

Daily Hardships In Venezuela

  • Jorge describes daily hardships like power cuts, water shortages, and runaway inflation in Venezuela.
  • He notes supermarkets may have stock but prices leave families unable to buy essentials.
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