Maduro's 'narco nephews' hit with sanctions as Trump tightens screw on Venezuela

Ana Corina Sosa, daughter of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has reflected on her mother's recent escape from Venezuela and the implications for their future. Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding due to safety concerns under the Maduro regime, recently accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, which her daughter accepted on her behalf in Oslo.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado undertook a perilous escape from Venezuela to Norway, fearing for her life during the journey, which was reportedly supported by the United States. This escape was crucial for her to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony where she was honored for her efforts in promoting peace and democracy in Venezuela.

Belarus has released 123 political prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and opposition leader Maria Kolesnikova, following a deal with the United States that resulted in the lifting of certain sanctions against the country. This significant move indicates a thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk.

The Cuban foreign ministry has condemned the U.S. military's seizure of the Skipper oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, labeling the act as 'piracy' and 'maritime terrorism.' This operation, which reportedly involved the capture of 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, is seen as a violation of international law and a direct attack on Cuba's economic interests, particularly its access to Venezuelan hydrocarbons.

Oil exports from Venezuela have come to a standstill following the U.S. military's seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, which was confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, with shipping data indicating a significant drop in oil exports since the incident.

In Venezuela, rampant rumors circulate amid a backdrop of economic turmoil and U.S. military presence off the coast, creating a climate of uncertainty as the holiday season approaches. Reports suggest that these rumors have intensified following recent U.S. military actions, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, which has heightened tensions between the two nations.

The U.S. military has seized the Skipper, an oil tanker carrying 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, marking the first capture of Venezuelan oil cargo since sanctions were imposed in 2019. This action has reportedly led to a sharp decline in Venezuelan oil exports as new sanctions target shipping companies and vessels associated with Caracas.

The U.S. has escalated its military presence in the Caribbean, particularly targeting Venezuela, as President Trump considers various options against Nicolás Maduro's regime, including land strikes and electronic warfare. This move follows the recent seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, which Trump confirmed as part of a broader pressure campaign against Maduro.