The US military operation Venezuela 2026 sent shockwaves across the globe when, on January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched Operation Absolute Resolve — a daring nighttime raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This bold move, involving special operations forces, airstrikes to suppress air defenses, and a swift extraction to New York, marked one of the most audacious U.S. interventions in Latin America in decades.
What started as a targeted “law-enforcement” action quickly escalated into broader questions about sovereignty, oil, and America’s role in the hemisphere. And yes, it directly ties into the viral controversy of [Trump acting president of Venezuela January 2026], where President Donald Trump provocatively claimed oversight — even posting an edited image of himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela, Incumbent January 2026” on Truth Social. Let’s break down what really happened, why it matters, and where things stand as of mid-January 2026.
What Exactly Was the US Military Operation Venezuela 2026?
Picture this: Around 2 a.m. local time on January 3, explosions lit up the night sky over northern Venezuela. U.S. aircraft targeted military infrastructure, including radar sites and air defenses, to clear the path for over 200 special operations forces (including Delta Force) who stormed Maduro’s fortified compound in Caracas. Within hours, Maduro and Flores were in custody, flown first to a U.S. warship and then to face narco-terrorism charges in Manhattan federal court.
The Pentagon described it as a precise, intelligence-driven snatch-and-grab — no U.S. fatalities, though seven service members were injured. Venezuela’s government reported over 100 deaths, mostly among presidential guards and some civilians. Satellite imagery later showed targeted strikes on open areas rather than widespread destruction, emphasizing the “surgical” nature of the op.
This wasn’t impulsive. Months of buildup included naval deployments in the Caribbean, seizures of oil tankers, CIA covert ops, and repeated threats from Trump against Maduro’s alleged role in drug trafficking via the so-called Cartel of the Suns.
Why Did the US Launch the Military Operation in Venezuela 2026?
The official line? Justice for narco-terrorism. Maduro faced long-standing U.S. indictments for cocaine trafficking, weapons possession, and supporting terrorism — charges the administration framed as justifying military support for a “law-enforcement” takedown.
But let’s be honest: Oil was front and center. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven reserves, yet production has collapsed under sanctions, mismanagement, and corruption. Trump repeatedly highlighted the need to “get the oil flowing again,” promising U.S. companies billions in safe investments and even suggesting revenues could reimburse America. He met with oil executives shortly after, vowing stability and quick deals.
Critics call it resource-driven regime change dressed as anti-drug action. Supporters see it as finally confronting a failed state that’s fueled migration crises and regional instability. Either way, the US military operation Venezuela 2026 flipped the script on decades of sanctions-only policy.
The Aftermath: Chaos, Transition, and [Trump Acting President of Venezuela January 2026]
Hours after the raid, Trump declared the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition.” He suggested this oversight could last years, focusing on rebuilding oil infrastructure and ensuring cooperation.
Venezuela’s Supreme Court swiftly swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president — a Maduro loyalist who’s since walked a tightrope: condemning the “kidnapping” while engaging in talks with U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Some political prisoners have been released, and exploratory deals on oil handovers are underway.
Then came the meme-worthy twist: Trump posted a doctored portrait labeling himself Acting President of Venezuela January 2026. It was classic Trump — provocative, trolling, and crystal-clear on who holds the leverage. While not literal (Rodríguez holds the formal title), it symbolized U.S. influence over policy, revenues, and security.
The U.S. Navy remains positioned offshore, giving Washington massive sway without boots on the ground (yet). Trump has threatened further strikes if Rodríguez doesn’t comply, even floating action against neighbors like Colombia.
Global Reactions to the US Military Operation Venezuela 2026
The world split sharply. Allies like Paraguay welcomed the move as a step toward democracy. Latin American heavyweights — Brazil, Mexico, Colombia — condemned it as sovereignty violation, issuing joint statements rejecting unilateral force.
Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba blasted it as imperialism. The UN Secretary-General expressed “deep concern” over instability risks, while human rights experts called it a dangerous precedent undermining international law.
At home, Congress advanced a bipartisan war powers resolution to curb further unilateral action — a rare check on Trump. Democrats decried overreach; some Republicans praised the boldness but warned against “forever wars.”
Oil, Power, and the Road Ahead After the US Military Operation Venezuela 2026
Venezuela’s oil sector is the prize. Trump signed executive orders protecting revenues in U.S. accounts and pushing for millions of barrels to flow stateside. If successful, it could lower global prices and boost U.S. energy security.
But risks loom large: colectivos (pro-government militias) are mobilizing, potential chaos from power vacuums, refugee waves, and backlash from armed loyalists. Will this lead to genuine elections and democracy? Or prolonged U.S. meddling?
As of January 12, 2026, tensions simmer. Rodríguez vows to free the Maduros, while Trump eyes quick wins on energy. The US military operation Venezuela 2026 has rewritten hemispheric rules — and tied directly into the bold claim of [Trump acting president of Venezuela January 2026].
In the end, this high-stakes gambit could bring prosperity to a broken nation or ignite wider conflict. It’s a reminder that superpowers still flex muscle when interests align — oil, drugs, or dominance. The world is watching closely, and Venezuela’s future hangs in the balance. What happens next could define U.S. foreign policy for years.
FAQs About the US Military Operation Venezuela 2026
1. What was Operation Absolute Resolve in the US military operation Venezuela 2026?
It was the codename for the January 3, 2026, U.S. raid that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife through airstrikes and special forces, leading to claims around [Trump acting president of Venezuela January 2026].
2. Why did the US target Maduro in the military operation Venezuela 2026?
Officially, to apprehend him on narco-terrorism charges; unofficially, to secure access to Venezuela’s massive oil reserves and stabilize the region.
3. Is Trump really the acting president following the US military operation Venezuela 2026?
No — that’s rhetorical. Delcy Rodríguez is Venezuela’s interim leader, but Trump’s statements and posts about [Trump acting president of Venezuela January 2026] highlight U.S. leverage.
4. What are the risks of prolonged involvement after the US military operation Venezuela 2026?
Instability, violence from loyalist groups, regional refugee crises, and international backlash could turn a quick win into a long entanglement.
5. How has the world responded to the US military operation Venezuela 2026?
Condemnations from Latin America, Russia, and China for violating sovereignty; some support from pro-democracy voices, with the UN warning of dangerous precedents.
