Kathmandu— Simon Bolivar’s prophecy that the United States would plague Latin America with misery in the name of liberty has been echoed by recent US interventions. In 2026, US forces invaded Venezuela and kidnapped President Nicolás Maduro, while also expanding military operations across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific under the guise of a 'war on drugs.' These actions have intensified political turmoil and economic hardship throughout Latin America, reversing progressive gains made in previous years.
Military Interventions
The US invasion of Venezuela in January 2026 marked a significant escalation. President Donald Trump openly declared that the United States would 'run' Venezuela and secured what he claimed to be the biggest oil deal in history. The military operations have also extended to other parts of Latin America, with the US incinerating small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific since September 2025, killing at least 227 people without providing proof that they committed any crime.
Political Manipulations
Beyond military actions, the United States has been instrumental in manipulating political landscapes across Latin America. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and organizations like the Atlas Network have spent billions to interfere in political systems and support right-wing movements. In Argentina, Trump offered a $20 billion currency lifeline to Javier Milei’s far-right government before the 2025 midterm elections, ensuring his success.
Economic Hardship
The economic impact of these interventions has been severe. The blockade on Cuba, tightened by Trump, has denied Cubans access to essential goods like fuel and medicine, leading to preventable deaths. In Venezuela, the US-backed regime has exacerbated poverty and instability. Across Latin America, the resurgence of right-wing parties has led to austerity measures and increased economic hardship for working-class communities.
Resistance Movements
Despite these challenges, resistance movements continue to emerge across Latin America. Indigenous groups in Bolivia have endured two coups but have learned to mobilize effectively against right-wing governments. In Brazil, millions are standing up to Trump’s threats and the influence of evangelical churches aligned with conservative politics. These movements highlight a potential shift towards progressive governance within four years.
The ongoing interventions by the United States in Latin America have sparked widespread criticism and resistance, echoing Bolivar's warnings from two centuries ago.
(With inputs from CounterPunch)
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Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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