US Strikes in Venezuela: A Power Play Behind the Rhetoric

The United States military has conducted at least 22 strikes against Venezuela since September 2, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 87 people, according to Venezuelan sources. The attacks, which the US administration has described as targeting "narcoterrorists," have been widely criticized by the Venezuelan government, which claims the victims were innocent fishermen. On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the US further escalated its actions by seizing an oil tanker in Venezuelan waters, a move the Venezuelan government has condemned as "blatant theft" and "an act of international piracy." The US military's actions in Venezuela have been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the true motives behind the strikes. Analyst and journalist Jasim Al-Azzawi argues that the crisis in Venezuela is not an oil grab, as some have suggested, but rather a power grab by the US government. "The US is using military force and economic coercion to exert its influence over Venezuela's oil resources," Al-Azzawi said in an interview. "This is a classic example of a power grab, where a stronger nation uses its military might to gain control over a weaker nation's resources." The US government has maintained that its actions in Venezuela are necessary to combat the country's alleged ties to narcotics trafficking and terrorism. However, Venezuelan officials have consistently denied these claims, pointing to the fact that the victims of the US strikes were innocent civilians. "The US is using its military to impose its will on Venezuela, and it's a clear example of imperialism," said a Venezuelan government spokesperson. The crisis in Venezuela has its roots in the country's economic struggles, which began in 2013 when the price of oil plummeted. The subsequent economic collapse led to widespread poverty and shortages of basic necessities, creating a power vacuum that the US has sought to exploit. The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has been accused of authoritarianism and human rights abuses, which has further exacerbated the crisis. The US seizure of the oil tanker on Wednesday marked a significant escalation of the crisis, with many predicting further military action in the coming weeks. "The US is sending a clear message to Venezuela that it will not tolerate any resistance to its influence," Al-Azzawi said. "This is a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching implications for the region and the world." As the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching with growing concern. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, while many countries have condemned the US military's actions as a violation of international law. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the US military's actions in the country are a symptom of a larger power struggle that will have far-reaching implications for the world.