Maria Corina Machado: Venezuela’s Nobel Peace laureate in hiding

The situation in Venezuela has become increasingly dire as guerrilla groups take control of rare earth mineral mining areas, leading to the exploitation of Indigenous communities and significant environmental damage. Brig Gen Rafael Olaya Quintero has been actively pursuing traffickers along the Colombia-Venezuela border, highlighting the urgent need to address these criminal activities. This matters because the global demand for clean energy is driving a dangerous rush for these minerals, putting vulnerable populations at risk and threatening ecological stability in the region.

The US Senate has voted against restricting President Trump's ability to take military action in Venezuela, despite polls showing that a significant majority of Americans oppose such measures. This decision highlights the ongoing debate about US involvement in foreign conflicts and reflects the concerns of citizens who prioritize diplomatic solutions over military intervention.

Senate Republicans have turned down a resolution aimed at preventing the Trump administration from escalating military actions in Venezuela without congressional approval. This decision is significant as it allows the administration to potentially extend its operations from targeting drug boats in the Caribbean to direct attacks on Venezuela, raising concerns about international relations and military engagement.