The 2026 U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and Maduro’s Capture

On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a significant military intervention in Venezuela known as Operation Absolute Resolve. The mission, commanded by President Donald Trump and planned by the Department of Defense, involved approximately 150 aircraft from the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. US forces launched airstrikes across northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses before specialized units, including Delta Force and the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, raided a "fortress-like" compound in Caracas. The primary objective was the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown to New York City to face federal narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges.The operation was justified by the US administration as a law enforcement action supported by inherent constitutional authority, citing Maduro’s alleged leadership of the Cartel of the Suns and his disputed victory in the 2024 elections. During the raid, the US military reportedly utilized advanced weaponry, including stealth drones and a secret "sonic" device described as a "discombobulator" to disable enemy defense systems.In the immediate aftermath, the Venezuelan government remained in place, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as acting president on January 5, 2026. To avoid further military strikes, the remaining Venezuelan administration cooperated with several US demands, including the release of hundreds of political prisoners and the passage of a general amnesty bill in February. By early February, the two nations had restarted diplomatic relations, and the US Embassy in Caracas was reopened.A major outcome of the intervention was a shift in global energy policy. President Trump and his administration emphasized that gaining access to Venezuelan oil—home to the world’s largest proven reserves—was a core motivation. Consequently, the US lifted long-standing oil sanctions and Rodríguez signed a hydrocarbon reform law that effectively privatized aspects of the industry, allowing foreign and private companies to control production and sales. Within weeks, the US and Venezuela brokered multi-billion dollar oil deals, with revenue directed into a US-controlled account intended for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.The human cost of the operation included at least 55 confirmed military deaths, consisting of 32 Cuban and 23 Venezuelan personnel, as well as several civilian fatalities. Seven US soldiers were injured during the raid. Among them was Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot who sustained four gunshot wounds to his leg and hip while landing commandos under heavy fire. For his actions in saving his crew and ensuring the mission’s success, Slover was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor during the 2026 State of the Union address.International reactions were deeply divided. While countries like Russia, China, and Cuba condemned the "aggression" as a violation of sovereignty and international law, other nations such as Israel, Argentina, and the United Kingdom expressed support for Maduro’s removal. Following the operation, President Trump signaled intentions to pressure other nations, including renewed talk of annexing Greenland and taking action against cartels in Mexico. In 2026, Trump was 79 years old, and he characterized the intervention as part of a new "Golden Age" for the United States as the country approached its 250th anniversary.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-world-between-us--6886561/support.