U.S. Offers $25 Million for Venezuelan President’s Arrest

The United States has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $25 million, up from the previous $15 million announced in 2020. The decision comes amid heightened tensions and allegations of undemocratic practices in Venezuela.

In a teleconference briefing, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby announced the new reward alongside fresh sanctions targeting Maduro’s inner circle. As the U.S. administration, we are committed to responding decisively,” Kirby stated.

The U.S. has also offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuela’s Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, and added seven key allies of Maduro to its sanctions list.

Maduro, who secured a third term in office with 52% of the vote in the presidential elections held on July 28, 2024, was sworn in for his new term just yesterday. However, the elections have been marred by controversy, with opposition alliance candidate Edmundo González and opposition leader María Corina Machado rejecting the results, alleging widespread irregularities.

Kirby underscored the U.S. administration’s commitment to holding Maduro accountable for his “authoritarian policies” and undermining Venezuela’s democratic processes.

The increase in the reward and the imposition of new sanctions signal a continuation of the United States’ firm approach toward Venezuela’s leadership, further straining relations between the two nations already burdened by economic and political discord.