Venezuela quakes: How will sanctions impact aid operations?

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after powerful back-to-back earthquakes collapsed buildings in cities that included the capital, Caracas, killing at least 164 people and wounding close to 1,000. After the earthquakes on Wednesday, the United States said it was in touch with Venezuelan authorities and was mobilising assistance for the South American nation, which has historically languished under crippling sanctions imposed by Washington. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list The economic chokehold was partially lifted after US forces abducted the country’s then-President Nicolas Maduro in a raid in January. The interim government led by Maduro ally Delcy Rodriguez has been on stable terms with US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has since sought to re-establish US investment in the country’s oil sector. Trump was among the first leaders to pledge assistance to Venezuela. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform. “We will be there for our new and great friends.” Rodriguez responded by thanking Trump for “offering support and solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the face of this tragedy that has plunged us into mourning”. …