<p>Tensions between the US and Venezuela are reaching a dangerous tipping point. The Trump administration has accused president Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug cartel and declared Maduro's government a “foreign terrorist organisation”.  President Trump has also ordered a naval blockade of the country’s oil-sanctioned exports using what he calls “the largest ever armada assembled in the history of South America”.</p><p>In today’s episode, we speak to BBC Mundo journalist, Jorge Perez Valeri to ask whether the escalating military rhetoric from Washington could be paving the way for war, and how Venezuelans, already grappling with deep economic hardship, are feeling about the prospect.
 
Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Lucy Pawle and Aron Keller.
Editor: Bridget Harney 
Mix: Marty Peralta 
Senior news editor: China Collins 
Photo: Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro attends an event at the Mariche Metrocable station. Credit: Reuters.</p>

The Global Story

BBC World Service

Is Trump looking for war with Venezuela?

DEC 22, 202526 MIN
The Global Story

Is Trump looking for war with Venezuela?

DEC 22, 202526 MIN

Description

<p>Tensions between the US and Venezuela are reaching a dangerous tipping point. The Trump administration has accused president Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug cartel and declared Maduro's government a “foreign terrorist organisation”. President Trump has also ordered a naval blockade of the country’s oil-sanctioned exports using what he calls “the largest ever armada assembled in the history of South America”.</p><p>In today’s episode, we speak to BBC Mundo journalist, Jorge Perez Valeri to ask whether the escalating military rhetoric from Washington could be paving the way for war, and how Venezuelans, already grappling with deep economic hardship, are feeling about the prospect. Producers: Sam Chantarasak, Lucy Pawle and Aron Keller. Editor: Bridget Harney Mix: Marty Peralta Senior news editor: China Collins Photo: Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro attends an event at the Mariche Metrocable station. Credit: Reuters.</p>