1. THE SITUATION: A DRAMATIC ESCALATION
In early January 2026, the United States carried out a large-scale military strike on Venezuela, marking one of the most significant U.S. military operations in the region in decades. According to official U.S. statements, the operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, included coordinated airstrikes and special operations forces, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were flown to New York to face U.S. criminal charges. Wikipedia
Venezuela’s government condemned the operation as an illegal military attack and violation of national sovereignty, declaring a state of emergency and mobilising its armed forces nationwide. Explosions and military activity were reported in Caracas and several states, contributing to heightened fears of broader conflict. Aaj English TV
President Donald Trump publicly framed the operation as part of a long-standing effort to combat drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and alleged corruption — claims that Venezuelan officials have consistently rejected as pretexts for regime change. Encyclopedia Britannica
2. BACKGROUND: LONG-TERM U.S.–VENEZUELA TENSIONS
The current crisis did not emerge overnight. For years U.S.–Venezuelan relations have been deteriorating due to:
- Economic sanctions targeting Venezuelan oil and shipping operations. AP News
- A series of U.S. military strikes against boats and facilities claimed to be linked to drug trafficking. AP News
- A U.S. naval blockade and seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers under Operation Southern Spear. Wikipedia
This military pressure coupled with aggressive sanctions has exacerbated humanitarian and economic strains inside Venezuela while increasing regional geopolitical risk. Encyclopedia Britannica
3. U.S. JUSTIFICATION VS. INTERNATIONAL LAW
Washington’s Position:
The U.S. government argues its military actions are justified under its war on narcotics and terrorism, asserting that Maduro’s regime fosters drug trafficking and criminal networks. Trump asserted U.S. forces might conduct additional strikes if Caracas did not cooperate. Reuters
Critics’ Viewpoint:
Many legal scholars, foreign governments, and international organizations have questioned the legality of the incursion under international law. Critics argue the strike constitutes a breach of the UN Charter and sets a dangerous precedent for sovereignty and non-intervention norms. Hürriyet Daily News
4. GLOBAL RESPONSE: POLARIZED AND TENSE
Reactions around the world have been sharply divided:
Condemnation:
- Latin American governments like Brazil condemned the attacks as serious violations of sovereignty. Reddit
- Cuba’s president denounced the U.S. operation as “state terrorism.” Reuters
- Left-wing parties in India and other countries called for UN action against what they view as U.S. aggression. Outlook India
Neutral or Mixed:
- Some countries urged restraint and de-escalation while calling for respect for international law and governance reforms in Venezuela. Reddit
Supportive or Strategic:
- A handful of leaders framed Maduro’s ousting as beneficial, portraying it as a positive step toward democratic reform. Reddit
5. WHAT’S NEXT FOR VENEZUELA AND THE REGION
Governance & Power Vacuum
With Maduro removed from power and Venezuelan officials under U.S. custody, questions loom over Venezuela’s political future. An interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez has rejected U.S. control, insisting Caracas remains sovereign. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified the U.S. does not plan to govern Venezuela long-term, but will press for reforms through oil sanctions and political leverage. AP News+1
Regional Stability
The risk of wider instability is real. Neighbouring states are preparing for possible refugee flows and security spillovers, while tensions between the U.S. and nations like China and Russia — strategic partners of Venezuela — could intensify. EL PAÍS English
Economic Impact
Venezuela’s economy — heavily reliant on oil — faces further disruption. The U.S. blockade and sanctions pose significant obstacles to normalization of exports, potentially deepening economic hardship. Encyclopedia Britannica
Conclusion
The U.S. military strike on Venezuela represents a major escalation in hemispheric geopolitics — not just another policy dispute, but a direct military intervention that carries far-reaching implications for sovereignty, international law, regional stability, and global power dynamics. The world now watches to see whether diplomacy will prevail, or whether this marks the beginning of an extended period of confrontation in the Americas.
