U.S. Offers $50 Million Reward for Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro

The United States has significantly increased the reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, according to a statement by Attorney General Merrick Garland on August 8. This marks a doubling of the previous reward, which stood at $25 million. The move signals a deepening of U.S. efforts to target Maduro’s regime, which it has long accused of human rights violations and undermining democratic processes in Venezuela.

Garland stated that the U.S. Department of Justice has also seized over $700 million in assets linked to Maduro and his associates. These actions are part of a broader strategy to isolate the Venezuelan government and pressure it to change course. The U.S. has consistently criticized Maduro’s administration for its alleged involvement in drug trafficking, election fraud, and the suppression of dissent.

Responding to the U.S. announcement, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padilla López condemned the reward as “fantasy and illegal,” calling it an act of international law violation and an affront to the Venezuelan people. The minister emphasized that the U.S. actions are an attempt to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs and destabilize the country.

The U.S. has long maintained a hostile stance toward Maduro, imposing sanctions and supporting opposition groups in Venezuela. However, the recent increase in the reward highlights the administration’s growing focus on apprehending key figures in the Venezuelan government. Some analysts suggest that the move may also be aimed at deterring potential allies of Maduro from supporting his regime.

While the U.S. has not commented on the possibility of direct military intervention, the escalation of rewards and asset seizures indicates a more aggressive approach in its efforts to challenge Maduro’s leadership. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to exchange accusations and countermeasures.

As the global community watches closely, the U.S.-Venezuela standoff continues to be a flashpoint in international relations, with implications for regional stability and the future of Venezuela’s political landscape.