Escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Venezuela

On this edition of Tiempo, we take a closer look at the escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The U.S. launched Operation Southern Spear -- a major military campaign to try and dismantle drug trafficking networks. It also began a naval mission to intercept tankers transporting Venezuelan oil. Anxious uncertainty hangs over many Venezuelan Americans as they watch the escalation of force against their home country. More than 6.8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, and the exodus continues. Joining us to discuss further on what happening in Venezuela is Niurka Meléndez from Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid. Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid is a volunteer organization that helps Venezuelan migrants who fled their country and came to the U.S. The organization was previously featured on Tiempo a few years ago during the influex of asylum seekers, many of them from Venezuela. (Note: This episode of Tiempo was recorded prior to the capture of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a U.S. military operation on Saturday.) Also on our program, we talk to Dominican novelist Cleyvis Natera about her book "The Grand Paloma Resort." The book combines fast-paced suspense, class distinctions and colonial history in a memorable seven-day trip to La Republica Dominicana. The author dedicates the book to the workers. ad laborers who keep Caribbean tourism thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices