The United States has initiated a significant military operation against Venezuela and has carried out extensive strikes and an organised raid that has seen the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrested by the United States government despite his denial. Early on Saturday, President Donald Trump declared that U.S. troops had successfully hit critical targets in Caracas and other locations. Then Maduro and Flores were detained by U.S. forces and flown to New York to be charged in federal court, including with reportedly committing narco-terrorist and drug trafficking crimes. Trump also added that the U.S. would monitor Venezuela until a safe and proper transition was possible to be arranged.
Why the US Targeted Venezuela and the Maduro Government
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According to the US, the operation was meant to destroy presumed narco-terrorism and drug trafficking networks associated with President Nicolás Maduro and top officials.
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Washington claimed that Venezuela had turned into a key transit point for cocaine that was sent to North America.
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The US government cited issues of dictatorial leadership, election irregularities, and human rights violations in the leadership of Maduro
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Venezuela's instability was also associated by the officials with illegal migration and a threat to the regional security of the neighbouring nations.
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The move was brought forward as a larger agenda to push for political change and re-establish democracy in Venezuela.
Expected Questions for Upcoming Exams
Venezuela has the world’s largest reserves of which natural resource?
A) Natural gas
B) Coal
C) Crude oil
D) Lithium
Answer: C
Explanation: Venezuela holds the largest proven crude oil reserves globally.
Who was recognised by several countries as the interim president of Venezuela in 2019?
A) Hugo Chávez
B) Juan Guaidó
C) Rafael Correa
D) Evo Morales
Answer: B
Explanation: Juan Guaidó declared himself interim president after disputing Maduro’s election.
The currency of Venezuela is:
A) Peso
B) Bolívar
C) Sol
D) Real
Answer: B
Explanation: Venezuela’s official currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar.
With reference to Venezuela, consider the following statements:
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Venezuela is a founding member of OPEC.
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Venezuela has the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world.
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Venezuela lies entirely in the Southern Hemisphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: 1 & 2 are correct; Venezuela lies north of the Equator, so 3 is wrong.
With reference to the Orinoco River, consider the following statements:
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It flows entirely within Venezuela.
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It drains into the Caribbean Sea.
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It is one of the longest rivers in South America.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation: It partly flows through Colombia and drains into the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean.
Conclusion (US Launches Military Strikes on Venezuela)
The US military attacks on Venezuela are a grave escalation in the bilateral relations and the geopolitics of the region. Although Washington cites the issues of security and democracy, the move raises concerns about sovereignty, international law, and long-term stability in Latin America. Now it is a matter of delicate diplomacy to ensure that no further clash is witnessed.
