The United States has elevated the bounty for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and influential Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello from $15 million to $25 million each. This action follows Maduro's inauguration at the National Assembly, dominated by Chavismo, for the 2025-2031 presidential term amid escalating accusations of drug-related crimes.
This bounty increase is part of a new set of sanctions imposed by President Joe Biden's administration, maintaining pressure on the Venezuelan regime, which disregarded the popular will this Friday. These sanctions come in the wake of Maduro's contentious inauguration, labeled a "coup" by the opposition, which claims Edmundo González Urrutia won the July 2024 elections.
In addition to the bounty on Maduro, the U.S. government has offered $25 million for information leading to Diosdado Cabello's capture, and $15 million for the arrest of Vladimir Padrino, the Defense Minister. The U.S. Treasury Department has also imposed economic sanctions on eight senior Venezuelan government officials, including the president of the state oil company PDVSA, Héctor Obregón Pérez, and the Minister of Transportation, Ramón Celestino Velásquez, accusing them of being responsible for acts of repression.
In a statement, the Biden Administration reiterated its commitment to taking "additional measures" to restrict revenue for Maduro and his allies, also considering the seizure of Venezuelan assets abroad. Concurrently, the U.S. has decided to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Venezuelans residing in the country, allowing them to continue working and living in the United States for another 18 months.
This new package of sanctions and bounties comes at a time of heightened tension following Maduro's inauguration for his third consecutive term. The ceremony met with significant opposition both within Venezuela and internationally, with questions raised about the legitimacy of the electoral process, which has been marred by allegations of fraud and lack of transparency.
Maduro, who has held power for over 20 years, defended his presidency by asserting that his authority is derived from the Venezuelan people, not foreign governments, particularly the U.S. government. Venezuela's political situation remains a subject of international dispute as the country grapples with a severe economic, social, and political crisis.
Understanding the U.S. Sanctions and Bounties on Venezuelan Leaders
What is the new bounty amount for Nicolás Maduro?
The United States has increased the bounty for Nicolás Maduro to $25 million.
Why are there new sanctions on Venezuela?
The new sanctions are in response to Maduro's controversial inauguration, which the opposition and international community have criticized as illegitimate.
Who else is targeted by the U.S. sanctions?
Eight senior Venezuelan officials, including the president of PDVSA and the Minister of Transportation, are targeted by the U.S. sanctions.
What is the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) extension for Venezuelans?
The TPS extension allows Venezuelans residing in the U.S. to continue living and working in the country for an additional 18 months.