U.S. removes Venezuela from list of countries failing in drug war

The U.S. government has decided to remove Venezuela from the list of countries that have 'demonstrably failed' in the fight against drug trafficking. This action marks a significant change, as Venezuela had been included on this list for two decades.

The decision has been presented as a support for the efforts of Delcy Rodríguez's government, which has been praised for its 'positive steps' in cooperation against drugs. U.S. authorities have indicated that these advancements have influenced Washington's reconsideration of its position towards Caracas.

Despite this measure, Venezuela will continue to figure in another category of countries classified as transit or drug-producing nations, which implies that it still faces more severe restrictions and sanctions compared to the list of countries that have 'failed' in their international duties against drug trafficking.

The U.S. has kept other countries like Colombia, Afghanistan, Bolivia, and Myanmar on its list, continuing actions against drug trafficking in those regions. The White House has emphasized the need for further results in the fight against criminal networks operating in the Caribbean that use Venezuela as a key route to the U.S. territory.

This decision comes amidst a context of complex relations between Venezuela and the United States, which have fluctuated in recent years. The Trump administration has conditioned future changes in its policy toward countries like Colombia on the assessment of the actions of the new government in that country.

Results in the fight against drug trafficking have drawn attention, especially given that the criminal network in Venezuela is estimated to move over $8.2 billion annually. U.S. authorities have initiated operations in the Caribbean, confronting alleged drug traffickers, reflecting ongoing concerns about drug trafficking in the region.