US Military Strike on Venezuela: Operation Absolute Resolve
On 3 January 2026, the United States launched a military strike on Venezuela in an operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve. The strike, which began around 2 a.m. local time, involved bombings across northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses while a military force apprehended President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores at their compound in Caracas. Following the attack, both were flown to New York City to face charges of narcoterrorism in a federal court. The operation, which resulted in casualties and widespread criticism, sparked international controversy.
The US Government’s Justification and International Reactions
President Donald Trump defended the operation as a necessary law-enforcement action aimed at combating narcotrafficking and bringing Maduro to justice. The U.S. government announced Maduro and Flores were indicted on charges related to narcoterrorism, including cocaine trafficking. Despite the U.S. claims, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and many global leaders condemned the capture as an act of kidnapping and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Venezuelan officials confirmed the death of at least 23 security officers during the attack, while Cuban officials reported 32 military deaths. Despite the deadly nature of the operation, the U.S. government maintained its stance, citing national security interests related to Venezuela’s oil resources.
The Impact on Venezuelan Politics: The Rise of Delcy Rodríguez
In the aftermath of the operation, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president of Venezuela on 5 January 2026, following Maduro’s capture. As Venezuela continued to experience political instability, the Venezuelan military pledged its support to Rodríguez, and several political prisoners were released, including foreign nationals. The U.S. State Department issued a warning for American citizens to leave Venezuela due to the rising threat from pro-government militias.
Rodríguez’s rise to power was seen as a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s political landscape, particularly after years of opposition to Maduro’s leadership.
Why Venezuela’s Oil Reserves Are Key to US Intervention
Venezuela is home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at 17% of the global total. U.S. President Trump has long emphasized the importance of Venezuelan oil and its potential for U.S. investment. The Trump administration has made it clear that securing access to these reserves, along with addressing issues related to Venezuela’s political regime, played a central role in the military operation.
The Venezuelan government’s nationalization of its oil industry, particularly the seizure of U.S. companies’ assets, has been a long-standing point of contention, with the Trump administration seeking to regain access to Venezuelan oil through military action and strategic alliances.
Legal Proceedings: Maduro and Flores in U.S. Custody
After their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to New York where they were arraigned on 5 January 2026. They faced charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug trafficking, and possession of destructive devices. The U.S. legal system will now handle their case, and the outcome of these proceedings could have far-reaching implications for Venezuela’s future.
International Controversy: Global Reactions to US Intervention
The operation raised significant global concerns about the legality and ethics of U.S. intervention in Venezuela. UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced alarm, warning about the precedent set by such military action and its potential to destabilize the region. Russia, China, and other countries expressed their strong opposition, demanding the immediate release of Maduro and Flores. On the other hand, several nations, including Colombia, Chile, and Brazil, viewed the operation as a necessary step in ending the Maduro regime.
Venezuelan Government’s Response and Ongoing Crisis
Despite the U.S. intervention, the Venezuelan government remains in power, with Delcy Rodríguez continuing as acting president. The government denounced the U.S. attack as imperialist aggression and vowed to fight against external forces seeking to control the country’s resources. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military forces and paramilitary groups known as colectivos remain loyal to the regime, intensifying the country’s internal conflict.
Venezuelan Oil Industry: A Focus of U.S. Strategic Interests
Venezuela’s oil infrastructure has been in decline for years, largely due to mismanagement, sanctions, and a lack of investment. With some of the largest oil reserves in the world, Venezuela holds immense economic value. The U.S., alongside American oil companies, has expressed interest in revitalizing Venezuela’s oil sector by investing billions of dollars in infrastructure repairs and operations.
Experts agree that rebuilding Venezuela’s oil industry will require years of work and substantial financial input, with the U.S. potentially playing a central role in this restoration process.
Oil as the Catalyst: The U.S. Strategic Interests in Venezuela’s Resources
The U.S. government’s focus on Venezuela’s oil resources is a significant driver of the ongoing conflict. The Venezuelan government’s controversial nationalization of the oil industry in the early 2000s led to the expropriation of assets from U.S. oil companies, which still generates tension. Trump’s administration has stated that restoring U.S. access to Venezuelan oil is critical, and the capture of Maduro marks the first step in this broader strategic goal.
The Future of Venezuela: What Lies Ahead?
The U.S. military action in Venezuela has set a dangerous precedent and sparked intense debate on its legality and effectiveness. While some celebrate the removal of Nicolás Maduro, others view it as an overreach by the U.S. government that risks further destabilizing the region. Moving forward, the future of Venezuela’s leadership, its oil industry, and its sovereignty will depend on the political dynamics within the country and how the international community responds.
In the short term, Delcy Rodríguez’s government will likely face internal and external challenges as Venezuela navigates the aftermath of the U.S. military intervention and works to regain stability. The role of U.S. oil companies, the impact of the narcoterrorism charges, and Venezuela’s evolving relationship with the United States will all play key roles in shaping the country’s future.
Conclusion: A Complex Turning Point for Venezuela
The U.S. intervention in Venezuela represents a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing political crisis. With oil resources, narcoterrorism charges, and international diplomacy at stake, the consequences of this operation will be felt across the globe for years to come. While Maduro’s capture marks a significant victory for the Trump administration, Venezuela’s long-term future remains uncertain, with its political, economic, and social struggles far from resolved.
