PETRO-MADURO ALLIANCE
======================

RELATIONSHIP: Close political allies
STATUS: Maduro CAPTURED by US (Jan 3, 2026)

US TREASURY ACCUSATION:
"Allied himself with the narco-terrorist regime of
Nicolas Maduro Moros and the Cartel de Los Soles"

CARTEL DE LOS SOLES:
- "Cartel of the Suns"
- Venezuelan military officers in drug trade
- "Suns" = sun insignia on generals' uniforms
- Protected by Maduro regime

PETRO'S "TOTAL PEACE" POLICY:
- Negotiations with drug cartels
- Peace talks with ELN guerrillas
- Reduced military operations
- Critics: enabled cartel expansion

REGIONAL ALLIANCE:
- Venezuela (Maduro) - NOW CAPTURED
- Cuba - Ideological ally
- Nicaragua (Ortega) - Anti-US stance
- Bolivia - Coca policy coordination

IRAN-VENEZUELA AXIS:
- Venezuela-Iran 20-year defense pact
- IRGC investments in Venezuela
- Hezbollah fundraising networks
- Petro indirectly connected through Maduro

PETRO'S ISOLATION (Jan 2026):
- Key ally Maduro in US custody
- US sanctions active
- Ambassador recalled from Washington
- Term ends 2026
- May seek asylum after leaving office