Part 14/16:
As Maduro’s regime weakened under economic collapse and external pressure, the US employed a range of tactics to regain influence. The deployment of seven warships off the Venezuelan coast in early 2024 sent a clear message: the US was prepared to escalate its pressure to force Maduro’s regime into submission. These ships, though not enough to invade, reflected a muscular display intended to create economic and political costs for Caracas.
Simultaneously, the US increased the reward for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, making him one of the most wanted leaders globally. The combination of sanctions, diplomatic sanctions, and military show-of-force tactics aimed to push Maduro into a corner—either to capitulate or strengthen internal dissent.