US Raises Rewards for Maduro and Officials

The United States has announced an increase in rewards for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his associate Diosdado Cabello to $25 million each, coinciding with Maduro's controversial swearing-in for a third term, which the U.S. and many international leaders deem illegitimate. Additionally, a $15 million reward was offered for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, all linked to narcotics trafficking charges. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the inauguration as a 'fraudulent' event and reiterated support for exiled opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who allegedly won the disputed election. The U.S. Treasury also sanctioned eight high-ranking Venezuelan officials, including those from military and economic sectors, for facilitating Maduro's repression. This move highlights the growing isolation of Maduro's regime, as the UK and other countries have also implemented similar sanctions in response to human rights violations and corruption. The situation underscores the international community's commitment to supporting democratic processes and holding corrupt leaders accountable.