Venezuela's Maduro vows to 'smash teeth' of U.S. empire as America seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast, escalating diplomatic crisis between nations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed “solidarity with the Venezuelan people” amid growing tensions between Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and the Trump administration.

U.S. targets the regime’s prized export -- but withholds military force.

Treasury sanctions Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's "narco-nephews" for drug trafficking, targeting Venezuela's alleged criminal network.

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro warned that his country must “stand like warriors … ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire” Wednesday, a moment that coincided with the US seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado plans to return to Venezuela whether or not President Nicolás Maduro is removed from power

Video shows the Venezuelan leader singing and holding Bolívar’s sword as he warns supporters to “stand like warriors.” (Credit: Reuters and APTN)

BRASILIA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Brazil's ‌President ​Luiz Inacio Lula ‌da Silva spoke last month ​with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro about ‍the situation in the ​Caribbean and South America, ​the ⁠Brazilian government said on Thursday.