The Trump administration has significantly intensified its economic and military pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s government, implementing sweeping new sanctions targeting the president’s relatives and key supporters. The coordinated action by the US Treasury Department and State Department represents the latest escalation in Washington’s campaign against what it describes as Maduro’s “corrupt and illegitimate regime.
The newly announced sanctions specifically target four individuals and six entities, while identifying six vessels as blocked property. Among those designated are three of Maduro’s nephews—Efraín Antonio Campo Flores, Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, and Carlos Erik Malpica Flores. Two of these family members are convicted narcotics traffickers who were previously granted clemency in a 2022 prisoner exchange involving seven American nationals. According to US authorities, both have since resumed drug trafficking activities.
The sanctions package additionally focuses on Venezuela’s crucial oil sector, including a prominent businessman and six shipping companies. This economic pressure coincides with heightened US military activity across Caribbean waters, where American forces have conducted multiple strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs to the US mainland.
The recent seizure of an oil tanker illegally flying Guyana’s flag in the Caribbean Sea occurred just hours before the sanctions announcement. Since September, these intensified interdiction efforts have resulted in more than 80 fatalities, generating growing concern among Caribbean nations.
Dr. Denzil Douglas, Foreign Affairs Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Chair of the Council for Foreign Relations, expressed deep apprehension about the regional militarization, noting that the Caribbean hasn’t witnessed this level of military buildup since World War II. During a Fireside Chat, Douglas emphasized his commitment alongside incoming CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, to maintain the region as a “zone of peace” despite escalating tensions.
The United States, with support from Trinidad and Tobago, maintains that its operations exclusively target drug traffickers, though it has not publicly presented supporting evidence. Dr. Douglas reiterated that while St. Kitts and Nevis remains dedicated to combating drug and human trafficking, regional stability must be simultaneously protected—a position he asserts is shared across CARICOM leadership.