Venezuela is entering one of its most repressive periods in years, rights monitors say, as President Nicolás Maduro faces mounting isolation and an expanding US military presence in the Caribbean.

Vladimir Padrino López, defence minister for the past 11 years, has maintained the regime’s tight grip over the armed forces and acted as a link to Moscow, which supplies most of Venezuela’s weapons. He and interior minister Diosdado Cabello, who controls the police and prisons, guarantee control and ensure dissent is swiftly repressed.

U.S. pressure on Venezuela could give Trump leverage over its oil, with broad economic and geopolitical effects.

The U.S. declared an alleged cartel in Venezuela a terrorist organization, the latest action targeting the country and the Maduro government.

As Washington escalates pressure on Venezuela, any push for regime change risks becoming a costly, dangerous gamble — not the quick fix President Trump might hope for.

The FAA urged civilian aircraft in Venezuelan airspace to "exercise caution" due to the "worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around Venezuela."

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro rallied his supporters on Tuesday during a march in the country’s capital, Caracas.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro addressed thousands of supporters amid U.S. pressure, declaring, "Failure is not an option."