Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated amid accusations from Washington that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads the Cartel de los Soles, a major narcotrafficking organization. The U.S. administration under Donald Trump has intensified its diplomatic and law enforcement efforts against the cartel, resulting in increased seizures and arrests of criminal leaders, including a notable guilty plea from cartel figure El Mayo. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned U.S. allegations as fabrications aimed at criminalizing the Venezuelan state and announced the seizure of 2,800 kilograms of cocaine in Amazonas state by the Venezuelan armed forces. Opposition leader Juan Guaidó criticized Maduro for violating popular sovereignty and stated that Maduro lacks the capacity to defend Venezuelan territory against potential U.S. military incursions. Meanwhile, in Chile, political figures including Evelyn Matthei and Ignacio Briones have criticized José Antonio Kast's "Chao préstamo" proposal to end a pension reform loan, warning it could destabilize the pension system and threaten the financing of the reform. The proposal has also drawn criticism from Minister of Labor Jeannette Vallejo, who labeled it irresponsible. The debate reflects broader concerns about economic growth and stability in Chile.