Biden Administration Offers $25 Million Bounty for Maduro’s Arrest Amid Continued Political Strife in Venezuela
In a significant escalation of U.S. pressure on Nicolás Maduro, the Biden administration announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the Venezuelan president. This move follows Maduro’s controversial assumption of a third term, despite claims from his opponent, Edmundo González, who has presented evidence suggesting he won the recent election. The U.S. has officially recognized González as the president-elect.
The announcement underscored Washington’s non-recognition of Maduro’s presidency, with National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighting it as a show of solidarity with the Venezuelan people. This reward, initially set at $15 million by the Trump administration in 2020, has been criticized as largely symbolic, with some observers arguing it may entrench Maduro further by discouraging him from relinquishing power.
In conjunction with the bounty increase, the Biden administration extended protected status to about 600,000 Venezuelan migrants currently in the U.S., allowing them to stay for an additional 18 months. The decision reflects ongoing humanitarian concerns over rampant violence and deteriorating living conditions in Venezuela, making repatriation unsafe for many.
The U.S. Treasury Department also imposed new sanctions on eight Venezuelan officials, expanding the roster of sanctioned Maduro allies to around 180. Treasury official Bradley T. Smith stated that these measures are intended to support the Venezuelan people’s call for democratic accountability, amidst Maduro’s continued repression.
Amid these developments, the ongoing struggle for political legitimacy and stability in Venezuela remains a focal point in U.S.-Latin American relations, further complicating an already tumultuous landscape as international efforts to foster democratic transition continue.
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