Venezuela Under U.S. Pressure Detains Americans... At Least 5 Arrested

Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Venezuela, under military and economic pressure from the United States, has reportedly detained several American citizens in recent months.

According to the New York Times on December 31 (local time), Venezuelan authorities have arrested at least five U.S. citizens. The United States considers at least two of these detentions to be unjust and without proper cause.

The regime of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela has previously used American detainees as bargaining chips in negotiations. After the launch of his second administration, President Donald Trump sent Richard Grenell as a special envoy to Venezuela, securing the release of 17 Americans, including citizens and permanent residents, who were imprisoned there. However, as the Trump administration increased military and economic pressure on Venezuela, the country halted further releases and appears to have begun detaining more Americans.

Earlier this year, President Trump declared a war on drug cartels and ordered the use of military force against Venezuelan cartels such as TdA (TrendeAragua). Since then, the U.S. military has conducted operations targeting vessels suspected of transporting drugs in the Caribbean and surrounding areas. These operations have reportedly resulted in at least 105 deaths so far.

Additionally, earlier this month, President Trump hinted that the military operations being conducted near Venezuelan waters could be expanded to include ground targets within Venezuela. This has fueled speculation that the United States may be preparing for military action aimed at regime change in Venezuela.

Notably, the Trump administration delivered an ultimatum to President Maduro, demanding that he "immediately resign and go into exile," but Maduro reportedly rejected this demand. In this context, the detention of Americans by Venezuelan authorities is seen as a potential complication for the Trump administration's military and diplomatic strategies.

Of the five detained Americans, three are reportedly dual citizens of Venezuela and the United States, while two have no ties to Venezuela. Among them is a long-term traveler who was crossing Central and South America.