May 22 Trump's Cuba strategy echoes his Venezuela playbook, but experts point out key differences By Ben Finley, Matthew Lee, Farnoush Amiri, Konstantin Toropin, Associated Press Similar pressure campaigns do not equal similar results, experts say, even if President Donald Trump has often warned that "Cuba is next.”… Continue reading
May 20 Pentagon watchdog to evaluate U.S. military's boat strikes in Latin America By Ben Finley, Associated Press The Pentagon watchdog will evaluate whether the U.S. military followed an established targeting framework when carrying out attacks on dozens of alleged drug-smuggling boats that have killed nearly 200 people in Latin American waters since early September. Continue reading
May 20 What's happening between U.S. and Cuba? Here's a timeline of recent tensions By Associated Press The United States began ratcheting up pressure on communist-controlled Cuba after the military action in Venezuela early this year resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Continue reading
May 17 Venezuela deports Maduro ally to U.S. for criminal proceedings By Joshua Goodman, Associated Press The decision marks a stark reversal for Alex Saab, who Maduro fought tooth and nail to bring home after his previous international arrest in 2020. Continue reading
May 05 U.S. kills 2 during latest strike on alleged drug boats traveling in the Caribbean By Associated Press The Trump administration’s campaign of blowing up alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters has persisted since early September and killed at least 188 people in total. Continue reading
May 01 Former congressman David Rivera convicted in case on secret Venezuela lobbying By Joshua Goodman, Associated Press Jurors found Rivera and an associate guilty on all counts, including failing to register as a foreign agent with the Justice Department and conspiracy to commit money laundering as part of their work for former President Nicolás Maduro's government. Continue reading
Apr 30 1st direct U.S.-Venezuela commercial flight in 7 years lands in Caracas By Associated Press The resumption of a nonstop commercial flight between the two countries comes months after the U.S. capture of then President Nicolás Maduro in a stunning nighttime raid on his residence in Caracas in early January. Continue reading
Apr 23 U.S. soldier charged with using classified intel to win more than $400K in bet on Maduro raid By Hallie Golden, Associated Press Gannon Ken Van Dyke was part of the operation to capture Maduro in January and used his access to classified information to make money on the prediction market site Polymarket, the federal prosecutor’s office in New York said. Continue reading
Apr 09 Venezuelan lawmakers approve sweeping mining bill to entice wary foreign investors By Regina Garcia Cano, Associated Press The bill regulates mineral rights, establishes small, medium and large-scale mining categories, and allows for independent arbitration of disputes, which foreign investors view as key to guard against the government seizing their assets. Continue reading
Apr 01 Trump ally testifies in trial over secret Venezuela lobbying effort By Joshua Goodman, Associated Press The criminal trial of a former congressman is offering a glimpse into the prehistory of the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Continue reading