The crisis engulfing Venezuela in the wake of two deadly earthquakes marks a major test of Donald Trump’s claim to “run” the country after the US capture of its then-president, Nicolás Maduro, in a smash-and-grab raid in January.
The death toll rose on Wednesday to 1,943, with tens of thousands still missing amid rescue attempts. Thousands more have been made homeless and dependent on food aid. The country is facing reconstruction costs of up to 100 per cent of its GDP.
The US has played a central role in relief operations, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a “whole of government response” to the crisis. This has included a commitment of $300m (£225m) and the deployment of 900 military personnel, as well as aircraft and ships.
Shorts
The moves by the Trump administration show what is at stake for the US in Venezuela, following its intervention in January, which saw Maduro replaced by his deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, and the US take control of the country’s oil trade, said Jose Enrique Arrioja, managing editor of Americas Quarterly magazine.
