The Briefing Room What's happening in Venezuela?
10 snips
Nov 6, 2025 
Join BBC correspondent Will Grant, an expert on Central America, and Jeremy McDermott, co-founder of InSight Crime, as they dive into Venezuela's tumultuous landscape. They discuss the U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, the implications of a regime change strategy, and how Maduro's government responds to increasing pressures. Dr. Christopher Sabatini and Dr. Annette Idler add insights on the geopolitical motives behind U.S. actions and the complexities of narco-terrorism. Will Venezuela face instability, or will calm prevail in this charged scenario?
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US Military Buildup And Boat Strikes
- The US began a substantial Caribbean military buildup in August, sending ships, jets and 10,000 troops near Venezuela.
- The strikes on speedboats represent a new, aggressive blend of counter-narcotics and counter-terror tactics.
Narco-Terror Label Expands US Powers
- The Trump administration frames boat strikes as lawful under narco-terrorist designations, despite legal doubts.
- This effectively fuses the war on drugs with counterterrorism, expanding US operational tools at sea.
State Regulation Of Illicit Trade
- Maduro's regime adopted 'hybrid criminal governance' by granting military figures access to illicit rents to secure loyalty.
- This blurred state-crime ties sustain the regime despite economic collapse and sanctions.