US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
WorldUS forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, in an operation that echoes the 1990 US invasion of Panama that brought down Manuel Noriega. The capture of Maduro, who faces drug charges in the US, has sparked comparisons between the two interventions. Analysts say the US is using force to secure strategic assets in the Western hemisphere, including Venezuela's oil fields.
However, experts also see significant differences between the two interventions. Panama is widely seen as a success story in US operations in Latin America, with the US invasion in 1989 leading to a democratic transition. In contrast, the situation in Venezuela is more complex, with concerns about the impact of US intervention on the country's politics and economy. The US has a long history of intervention in Latin America, including the Mexican-American War and the Spanish-American War, which led to the expansion of US territory and influence in the region.
The capture of Maduro has significant implications for Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world. The US has stated that it plans to sell Venezuelan oil, potentially in larger quantities than before, due to the country's poor infrastructure. However, the impact of US intervention on Venezuela's economy and politics remains uncertain, and experts are watching the situation closely to see how it will unfold.