Bilateral Venezuela-US tensions will rise again

Significance

Following initial silence, the administration of US President Donald Trump has signalled a hostile position towards President Nicolas Maduro’s government. Trump met Lilian Tintori, wife of imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, days after the US Treasury Department on February 13 added El Aissami to its list of foreigners subject to sanctions, owing to alleged links with drug trafficking.

Impacts

• Spurred by apparent US backing, opposition protests will be stepped up over coming weeks.
• Caracas will engage in frantic diplomatic efforts to insulate itself from a new wave of perceived US aggression.
• Following the suspension of CNN’s broadcast licence, Caracas will move against actors seen as linked to US destabilisation efforts.