Southern Command eyes Venezuela’s illicit connections and Iranian patronage

Published August 16, 2020 10:30am ET



Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela is relying on illicit networks that range from drug traffickers to America’s adversaries to hold on to power, U.S. Southern Command’s Adm. Craig Faller said Thursday.

“The center of gravity for the Maduro regime’s illicit activities are Cuba, Russia, increasingly Iran,” Faller said on an Atlantic Council virtual discussion Thursday, describing activities that include illegal gold mining and sanctions evasion.

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