Last Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions on several family members and associates of the Maduro-Flores network, accusing them of propping up Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas.
“Today, Treasury sanctioned individuals who are propping up Nicolas Maduro’s rogue narco-state. We will not allow Venezuela to continue flooding our nation with deadly drugs,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He added that the Trump administration will keep targeting networks that support Maduro’s rule.
In recent months, the administration has intensified pressure across the southern Caribbean, seizing sanctioned oil tankers, striking suspected drug vessels, and declaring a “blockade” of oil shipments tied to the Venezuelan government. President Donald Trump has also hinted at possible land operations in Venezuela, raising concerns about a potential escalation.
This latest round of sanctions focuses on relatives of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, the nephew of Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores. The Treasury alleges Malpica Flores played a key role in a corruption scheme at state oil company PDVSA. Alongside him, his mother, father, sister, wife and daughter were added to the sanctions list.
On the same day, the Treasury extended a general license protecting Citgo Petroleum from creditor actions through February 3, 2026, a shorter extension than the six-month license granted in June. Citgo, a refiner owned by Venezuela but operating major U.S. refineries, is considered a strategic domestic energy asset.
In November, a U.S. judge approved a $5.9 billion bid by an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management in a court-organized auction of shares in Citgo’s parent company, aiming to compensate creditors for defaults and expropriations. The sale is pending final approval from the Treasury Department.
As the U.S. ramps up financial and operational pressure, all eyes are on Caracas and Washington for the next moves in this high-stakes standoff.
Reference(s):
U.S. sanctions more individuals allegedly supporting Maduro's rule
cgtn.com
