US warns UN of cutting aid to Maduro and drug cartels

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The United States announced at the UN on Tuesday that it will implement and enforce maximum sanctions to cut off resources from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with Russia warning that neighboring Latin American countries could be affected next.

For months, the Trump administration has carried out targeted strikes against suspected drug-running vessels off Venezuela’s coast and along Latin America’s Pacific shores, even threatening land-based military action.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz emphasized, “The most serious threat in this hemisphere — our neighborhood and to the United States — comes from transnational terrorist and criminal networks.”

The US has increased its military footprint in the region, with President Trump declaring a blockade against all vessels under US sanctions. Recently, the Coast Guard intercepted two fully loaded Venezuelan oil tankers in the Caribbean and is tracking a third vessel approaching Venezuela’s shores.

Waltz explained, “Sanctioned oil tankers serve as Maduro’s primary economic lifeline and also finance narcotics-terrorist groups like Cartel de Los Soles.” The US designated this cartel as a foreign terrorist organization last month, accusing Maduro of leading it. Venezuela dismisses this move as “ridiculous,” claiming the group doesn’t even exist.

Russia’s UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia warned the unfolding intervention could set a dangerous precedent for future actions against Latin American nations, citing Trump’s recent strategy document calling for US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Waltz chose not to directly respond to this remark.

China urged the US to “immediately cease these actions and avoid further escalation,” according to Deputy UN Ambassador Sun Lei.

Venezuela, supported by Russia and China, called for Tuesday’s Security Council meeting, the second in recent days on rising tensions. The first session in October saw the US justify its actions under internationally recognized self-defense rights, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Venezuela’s UN ambassador Samuel Moncada stated, “There is no war in the Caribbean, no armed conflict — international or otherwise. It’s absurd to justify US actions under wartime rules.” He added, “The real threat isn’t Venezuela — it’s the US government.”