On January 3, 2026, the world witnessed an unprecedented development in global geopolitics. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — long accused by the United States of involvement in international drug trafficking and narco-terrorism — was captured by U.S. forces and flown to the United States to face federal charges. Almost immediately, U.S. President **Donald Trump declared that America would “run” Venezuela — at least temporarily — and take control of the country’s enormous oil reserves. This dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy has shaken the global order, drawn sharp criticism from multiple nations, and raised urgent legal, ethical, and strategic questions. Reuters+1
1. What Happened: The Capture and Transfer of Nicolás Maduro
On Saturday early morning local time, U.S. forces launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, targeting key military facilities in and around Caracas. The assault — described by U.S. officials as “Operation Absolute Resolve” — reportedly involved special forces striking Maduro’s safe houses, communication nodes, and strategic infrastructure across the capital. Explosions and blackouts were reported by eyewitnesses before Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody. Reuters+1
In the hours that followed, Maduro and Flores were transported via a military aircraft and landed in New York where they are expected to be arraigned on U.S. federal charges including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and conspiracy. According to U.S. officials, the indictment against Maduro dates back several years, and includes allegations of orchestrating a system that flooded the United States with cocaine and profited from illicit activities. The Washington Post
The operation, which was executed without prior notification to the U.S. Congress or international bodies, shocked both geopolitical analysts and diplomatic circles. Venezuela’s government and its allies condemned the raid as a brazen violation of international law and national sovereignty.
2. Trump’s Declaration: “We Will Run Venezuela”
Almost immediately after Maduro’s capture, President Donald Trump held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where he made a bold and controversial declaration: the United States would “run” Venezuela for the foreseeable future. Trump asserted that the interim governance would ensure a stable political transition and prevent other powers from filling the vacuum left by Maduro’s removal. AP News+1
In his remarks, Trump stated that American forces and officials would oversee reconstruction efforts and support the restoration of political order in Venezuela. He hinted that this control could include appointing interim administrators, collaborating with pro-U.S. Venezuelan leaders, and ensuring that the political transition aligned with American strategic interests — a claim that has already sparked accusations of neo-imperialism. TIME
3. The Oil Factor: Why Venezuela Matters
Venezuela is home to some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world — estimated at over 300 billion barrels — dwarfing those of most other oil-producing nations. However, decades of mismanagement, corruption, sanctions, and political turmoil have crippled the country’s oil production capabilities. International energy agencies confirm that despite such vast reserves, Venezuela produces only a fraction of its potential output. EL PAÍS English
President Trump’s comments made it clear that oil was a central element of U.S. strategic thinking. He announced plans to bring in major U.S. oil companies to rebuild and modernize the dilapidated petroleum infrastructure, with the expectation that this would revitalise production, boost exports, and generate revenue — potentially using energy sales to finance the U.S. mission. Pakistan Today
Trump’s remarks included assertions that the United States would benefit economically from Venezuela’s oil wealth, claiming that “the money coming out of the ground” could help pay for the occupation and reconstruction efforts. Critics were quick to label these remarks as economic opportunism and an exploitation of another nation’s natural resources.
4. International Reaction: Backlash and Support
The global response to the U.S. operation and Trump’s declaration has been starkly divided:
Opposition and Condemnation
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Nations such as China, Russia, Iran, Mexico, and Brazil publicly condemned the U.S. operation as a breach of sovereignty and international law. These countries argued that the unilateral military action undermines global norms and sets a dangerous precedent. Reuters
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Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, denounced Maduro’s capture as a “kidnapping” by imperialist forces, insisting Maduro remains the legitimate president and denouncing the assault on Caracas. AP News
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Human rights advocates and international law experts warned that the U.S. invasion could erode the principle of state sovereignty and fuel regional instability.
Support and Strategic Approval
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Some smaller states and political groups — particularly those opposed to the Maduro regime — welcomed the ousting, seeing it as a potential end to years of authoritarian rule and economic collapse in Venezuela.
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U.S. allies in certain regions expressed cautious support, emphasizing opposition to narco-terrorism and criminal networks.
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However, even within the United States, the move is controversial — with lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle questioning the legality and strategic wisdom of the operation without Congressional authorization.
5. Legal and Ethical Implications
The operation raises profound legal questions in both domestic and international contexts:
U.S. Domestic Law
The legality of deploying U.S. military forces on foreign soil without Congressional approval is a major point of contention. Constitutional scholars argue that such an action requires legislative authorization, except in cases of immediate self-defense — a claim the administration has not convincingly made. Al Jazeera
International Law
Under international legal norms, sovereign states cannot be invaded without a direct threat or UN Security Council approval. Many legal experts argue that the capture and extradition of a sitting foreign head of state could violate the UN Charter and customary international law.
Oil Resource Sovereignty
Under the principle of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources, nations maintain exclusive rights to the resources within their own borders. Critics contend that any attempt by the U.S. to control or exploit Venezuela’s oil reserves without the free consent of its people would contravene this principle and international resource law.
6. Historic Parallels and Geopolitical Ramifications
This event is reminiscent of past U.S. interventions such as the 1989 invasion of Panama, where U.S. forces deposed General Manuel Noriega and brought him to the United States on drug charges. That intervention was similarly controversial, with long-term effects on U.S.–Latin America relations. TIME
The long-term geopolitical impact of the U.S. takeover of Venezuela is likely to be profound:
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Regional polarisation: Latin American nations may realign their diplomatic, military, and economic partnerships in response to perceived U.S. aggression.
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Energy markets: Control or influence over Venezuelan oil could shift global energy dynamics, impacting prices, supply chains, and geopolitical leverage.
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U.S.–China rivalry: Given China’s existing investments and influence in Venezuela, this move intensifies competition between the two superpowers for global resource access.
7. What’s Next? The Road Ahead
Political Transition
Trump has stated that U.S. forces will temporarily run Venezuela until a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” occurs. However, details on who will govern, how elections might be held, or how sovereignty could be restored remain unclear. EL PAÍS English
Oil Reconstruction and Investment
Building out Venezuela’s ailing oil infrastructure will require huge capital and technical expertise. U.S. firms could dominate this process — but investors and analysts caution about the risks of political instability, global market volatility, and legal challenges.
Legal Proceedings
Maduro and his wife will face trial in U.S. federal court. Observers are watching this closely to see whether the case becomes a landmark prosecution of a world leader — or whether it fuels further diplomatic backlash.
Conclusion
The capture of Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to the United States marks a watershed moment in 21st-century geopolitics. President Trump’s vow to “run” Venezuela and take control of its vast oil reserves illustrates an ambitious and controversial foreign policy shift — one that blurs the line between law enforcement, military action, political intervention, and economic ambition.
The unfolding situation will continue to dominate international headlines, with consequences for global alliances, regional stability, energy markets, and debates over national sovereignty and international law.
The full implications of this extraordinary event will take years — possibly decades — to fully unfold.
