Venezuela Signs Major Oil Deal with US Amid Ongoing Sanctions Pressure

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were kidnapped by the US in January. The country's oil sector has been under pressure due to sanctions imposed by the US, which have limited Venezuela's access to its oil revenues.

In August, Venezuela signed a major oil deal with the US, which includes a $100 billion investment from North American Blue Energy Partners to expand production at 17 oil fields. The agreement is expected to yield an additional 1.5 million barrels per day and could more than double current production levels.

The deal has been criticized by some who claim it will only benefit the US, but supporters argue that it will help Venezuela return to previous production levels and provide funding for other sectors of the economy.