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The US has imposed new sanctions targeting family members and associates of Nicolas Maduro, as part of an increased effort to pressure the Venezuelan leader. The Treasury Department announced that it has sanctioned seven individuals connected to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting Maduro’s dictatorship and his alleged narcotics operations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the administration is determined to prevent Venezuela from flooding the US with illegal drugs and warned that Maduro’s regime jeopardizes regional peace and stability.
Maduro’s government has denied any involvement in crime and asserts that the US aims to overthrow him in order to control Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. Over the past few months, the Trump administration has intensified its stance, expanding military presence in the Caribbean, launching maritime interdictions against suspected drug ships, seizing an oil tanker under sanctions, and declaring a “blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports. There are also ongoing threats of imminent land-based strikes.
Among those sanctioned on Friday is Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, Maduro’s nephew, who was implicated in corruption at state oil company PDVSA. His mother, brother, wife, and daughter also received sanctions. This action follows last week’s designation of Malpica Flores himself.
In addition, the Treasury extended a license protecting Citgo Petroleum, a Venezuela-owned refiner based in Houston, from creditor claims through February 3. This renewal is shorter than the previous six-month extension issued in June. Despite legal challenges including a court auction, the US continues to shield Citgo from creditors, pending further court approvals for a sale of its parent company’s shares to an investment firm to satisfy Venezuela’s debts. This process is part of a broader two-year effort to resolve outstanding debt and expropriations associated with Venezuela’s financial obligations.
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