The world watched a major event in early January 2026 when the U.S. military operation in Venezuela stunned the globe. This operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The action has shocked many countries and raised serious questions about global politics. In this blog, you will learn the seven vital insights to help you understand what happened and why it matters.
1. A Major U.S. Military Operation Took Place
The United States called its mission “Operation Absolute Resolve.” This large-scale U.S. military operation in Venezuela involved 150 aircraft, along with airstrikes to secure the capture of Maduro. Among the sites hit were Fort Tiuna, Venezuela’s military base, and La Carlota airbase near the capital of Caracas.
Take note that the explosions were reported in several nearby cities. The aim, according to U.S. military leaders, was to capture Maduro without U.S. soldiers losing their lives, and they reported success.
2. Maduro and His Wife Were Taken to the U.S.
After his capture, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were flown to the United States to face legal charges. These charges include drug trafficking and weapons crimes from a U.S. charge that dates back to 2020. The U.S. state shared images showing Maduro handcuffed and blindfolded aboard a U.S. naval ship.
This move marked a dramatic end to his long rule in Venezuela and a highly unusual step in international affairs. Additionally, it demonstrates the significance of the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces.
3. The U.S. Claims Multiple Goals
The U.S. government said the operation targeted narco-terrorism and criminal activities tied to Maduro’s regime, not a wider effort to invade or occupy the country. Still, President Donald Trump surprised many when he announced the U.S. would “run” Venezuela during a growth period. The aims include influencing policy changes and securing Venezuela’s oil resources, which are among the largest in the world.
4. Reactions Around the World Have Been Mixedaims
Countries across the globe have responded in very different ways:
- Iran and Cuba, both allies of Venezuela, strongly condemned the U.S. military operation in Venezuela as a violation of national sovereignty
- Mexico and Brazil criticized the military action, warning that it threatens regional stability
- Many European nations, including Spain and France, said the U.S. military operation in Venezuela goes against international law and risks more conflict
- Some countries, like Italy and Israel, expressed support for the U.S. operation
- The European Union as a whole urged respect for international law while noting that Maduro lacked legitimacy as a leader
- Britain said it will discuss the situation further with the U.S. but did not celebrate Maduro’s fall. These reactions matter because many governments worry that the U.S. military operation in Venezuela sets a precedent for unilateral force
5. Venezuela’s Government and People Are in a State of Change
With Maduro gone, Venezuela’s Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president. However, this decision has not eased tensions. Some Venezuelans abroad celebrated Maduro’s removal, while many inside the country remain anxious or fearful about what comes next.
Local authorities have yet to release complete casualty figures after the attacks, and reports indicate significant destruction at military sites. This shift leaves Venezuela at a critical crossroads, showing how the impact of Venezuela military strike on global politics reaches beyond immediate borders.
6. Concerns Over International Law Have Grown
Political leaders in many countries have raised strong concerns about the lawfulness of the U.S. actions. Critics argue the U.S. military operation in Venezuela violates international law because it lacked approval from the United Nations and did not have Venezuela’s consent. Some lawmakers worry this could weaken rules that protect small nations from forceful intervention by stronger ones.
In the Philippines, lawmakers expressed alarm that this type of action undermines the rules-based global order and could weaken moral positions when responding to other territorial disputes, like issues in the West Philippine Sea. Others called for deeper discussions about how such foreign actions affect global justice and sovereignty, highlighting international reactions to U.S. Venezuela intervention.
7. Impacts May Be Far-Reaching
Even beyond Venezuela, this event has implications for global politics and economics. Experts warn that military action of this scale could influence oil markets, international relations, and future military decisions by major powers. For instance, changes in Venezuela’s oil sector could affect global energy prices.
This, in turn, could affect everyday costs like fuel and food prices in countries far from Latin America. There are also concerns that this operation may embolden other superpowers to take military action without broad international support, something many nations fear could make the world more unstable.
What This Means for the World
This moment marks one of the most significant U.S. military operations in Venezuela and events in Latin America in decades. Whether you agree or disagree with the U.S. strategy, one thing is clear: this situation will shape global discussions about power, law, and how nations interact for years to come. As more information comes out and countries respond, the world will be watching closely to see what comes next.
