US Seizes Control of Venezuela's Oil Reserves in Secret Deal

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez has agreed to hand over control of about a fifth of the country's oil reserves, estimated at 65 billion barrels, to the United States. This decision has been met with widespread criticism and concern from Venezuelans, who see it as a surrender of their country's rich oil resources.

The deal, which was announced last week, will give the US joint control over 17 oil fields through a partnership with North American Blue Energy Partners, one of the largest private oil companies operating in Venezuela. This move is seen by many as an attempt to gain control of Venezuela's energy affairs for the benefit of the US.

Venezuela has been struggling with an economic crisis and food shortages, despite having some of the world's largest oil reserves. The country's reliance on oil exports has led to a lack of investment in other sectors, and many citizens are concerned that this deal will only exacerbate the problem.