Feb 19 (Reuters) - Venezuela's ruling party-controlled legislature on Thursday approved a limited amnesty bill that human rights organizations say falls short of offering relief for hundreds of political prisoners in the country.

As U.S. sanctions ease and oil money begins to trickle back after Nicolás Maduro's removal, Venezuelans weigh hopes for recovery against the harsh reality of surviving on wages that barely cover food.

WASHINGTON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The top ⁠commander ⁠overseeing U.S. forces in Latin America, General ⁠Francis Donovan, and senior Pentagon official Joseph Humire made a surprise visit to Venezuela ​on Wednesday for security talks, U.S. officials said.

President Donald Trump downplayed acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez's recent comment to NBC News that Nicolás Maduro is still the legitimate leader of Venezuela, telling reporters Monday that the response was one of political necessity.

The bill may bring the release of hundreds of political prisoners. But many critics say the legislation, passed after major pressure from the Trump administration, raises concerns.

Here are key facts about international oil companies in Venezuela, a country with vast oil reserves but dilapidated energy infrastructure.

Nicolás Maduro is still the legitimate leader of Venezuela, the country's acting president said in an exclusive interview with NBC News.“I can tell you President Nicolás Maduro is the legitimate president.

It is less than two months since US special forces captured Venezuela’s longtime authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro during a nighttime raid in Caracas, yet it is hard to overstate how different the South American country now feels.