Nicolás Maduro is at the center of a rapidly escalating confrontation, as Donald Trump’s circle reportedly pushes a three‑phase campaign of covert action, air and naval strikes, and asset seizures aimed at weakening his rule and securing access to Venezuelan oil and rare‑earth minerals. The USA has stepped up military activity around Venezuela, including strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats, aircraft operating near La Orchila, leadership changes at SOUTHCOM from Alvin Holsey to Evan L. Pettus, and the controversial seizure of the Skipper tanker, which triggered a vocal show of support for Maduro at an ALBA summit and fierce condemnation from regional allies who warn of unprecedented threats to Latin America and the Caribbean. With Colombia mobilizing after an ELN attack, Cuba, Iran and Nicaragua denouncing Washington’s actions, the EU extending sanctions, global oil benchmarks Brent and WTI reacting nervously, and Maduro vowing that “the colonizer project will not occur,” the standoff shows no sign of de‑escalation and risks destabilizing energy supplies and already fragile power grids across the region.