Venezuela owes around $17 billion to Russia and is one of the main buyers of Russian weapons. The fall of the regime could take this arsenal into the hands of Ukraine, worsening the conflict in Eastern Europe
Maduro’s capture was the result of a quick and efficient American operation, compared to the failed Russian attempt to eliminate Venezuelan opponents. This exposed weaknesses in the Venezuelan regime and defense systems. Maduro faces serious charges in the US, including leading an international drug trafficking network and protecting criminals. The case is reminiscent of that of Manuel Noriega, former leader of Panama, also captured and tried in the USA. The Venezuelan regime reactivated paramilitary groups (“collectives”) to repress demonstrations in support of Maduro’s arrest, showing that control on the streets remains strong.
José Milhazes and Nuno Rogeiro analyze international current affairs. On Sundays on SIC’s Jornal da Noite and on podcast. Listen to more episodes here:
