©️Office of the President of Venezuela
Washington, August 12, 2025.- The United States doubled to $50 million the reward for the capture of Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of running a vast drug trafficking network. In response, the Venezuelan President calls his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro to a strategic alliance, including military, against what he describes as a « aggression » Washington.
The American announcement, made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, accuses Maduro of leading the Sun Cartel, a criminal organization linked to the Venezuelan army and collaborating with groups such as the Mexican cartel of Sinaloa and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. More than $700 million in assets, including two private jets and several properties, were seized. Prosecutors claim that the cartel's objective goes beyond profit: « flooding the United States with cocaine » and weaken American society.
According to intelligence, more than 250 tons of cocaine are transiting Venezuela each year, an increase since oil sanctions. Washington regards this record bonus as a step in its increased pressure on Caracas, after years of sanctions and diplomatic isolation without effect on Maduro's continued power.
In response, the Venezuelan leader, surrounded by his defence and interior ministers, called on Petro to « unite armed forces and governments » Over against Washington. Petro warned that any military aggression against Venezuela would be seen as an attack on Colombia. Caracas also carried out a massive propaganda campaign, mobilizing public, military and loyalist employees in anti-American demonstrations.
Analysts believe that Maduro is trying to transform the US premium into a rallying cry, strengthening regional solidarity and consolidating his image as a leader besieged by a foreign power.
W.A.
