The United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026. This operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, through airstrikes and Delta Force raids near Caracas. President Donald Trump announced U.S. oversight of Venezuela until a transition takes place. This marks the most direct intervention since the 1989 Panama invasion. This action ends years of sanctions and pressure, but it risks regional instability
Reasons for Intervention
U.S. forces targeted Maduro due to long-standing narco-terrorism charges from a 2020 indictment. The charges allege his ties to drug cartels and gangs like Tren de Aragua. Escalation followed the disputed 2024 Venezuelan elections, which many deemed rigged.
Other factors included oil tanker seizures and a military buildup in the Caribbean aimed at reducing drug flows and reclaiming seized U.S. assets. Trump highlighted control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the world’s largest at 300 billion barrels to improve production hampered by mismanagement and sanctions
Immediate Impacts
The strikes destroyed warehouses, vehicles and air defenses around Caracas. This resulted in power outages and a national emergency declaration. Maduro faces a trial in the U.S while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claims interim leadership but indicates cooperation under pressure. Borders closed temporarily as militias mobilized, fearing civil unrest or power vacuums
Global Reactions
Russia, China, Iran, Brazil and Cuba condemned the strikes as armed aggression that violated sovereignty. They urged action from the UN. UN Secretary General António Guterres called it a dangerous precedent, while the EU urged restraint. Latin America is showing mixed reactions, with both alarm and celebration. Global protests erupted in cities like Paris and São Paulo , visit here
Economic and Strategic Fallout
Venezuela’s oil output, which has fallen by 76% under sanctions could increase to 1.2-1.5 million barrels per day in 24 months if U.S. firms invest billions. This would lower global prices by 15-25 cents per gallon. U.S. refiners stand to benefit from access to heavy crude. However, China risks $60 billion in loans as sovereign debt trades at 5-8 cents, with potential for restructuring. In the long term, factional fights or outside interference could prolong chaos, leading to increased migration and risks in Latin America.
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