The United States has asserted its dominance over Venezuela, with the Trump administration announcing it will control the country’s oil sales “indefinitely” following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro. The move comes despite Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez’s claim that no foreign power is governing Caracas. US special forces captured Maduro and his wife on Saturday, and they are currently facing trial in New York on drug charges.
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the US has “maximum leverage” over the interim authorities in Venezuela, and their decisions will be dictated by the United States. The US plans to sell Venezuelan oil, with Trump stating that the country will “run” Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. However, Washington has no boots on the ground and is relying on a naval blockade and the threat of further force to ensure cooperation.
The US attack on Venezuela resulted in at least 100 deaths and a similar number of injuries, according to Caracas. Among those hurt were Maduro and his wife, as well as 32 members of the Cuban military who were serving as bodyguards. The US has given few details about its plans for Venezuela, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted that the administration is “not just winging it.” The US plan relies heavily on an agreement for Venezuela to hand over 30-50 million barrels of oil to the US, which will then be sold.
The revenue from the oil sales will be used by Venezuela to purchase American-made products, including agricultural products, machinery, and energy equipment. The US is also looking at longer-term control of Venezuela’s oil market, with Energy Secretary Chris Wright stating that the US will “market the crude coming out of Venezuela, first this backed-up stored oil, and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela.”
Trump is set to meet with US oil executives on Friday to discuss investment opportunities in Venezuela’s oil industry. The move is seen as an attempt to exert further control over the country’s resources. The US has also seized two oil tankers, including a Russian-linked vessel, which has been condemned by Moscow. The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with the international community watching closely as the US asserts its dominance over the oil-rich nation.
