"Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026, transformed Venezuela-US relations and the Western Hemisphere's geopolitical architecture.
The relationship between the US and Venezuela entered a critical phase in January 2026 when American forces conducted a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This development has generated significant international discussion about sovereignty, legal frameworks, and the future of Venezuela's political landscape.
Background: Understanding the Crisis
Venezuela has experienced a prolonged political and economic crisis over the past decade. The country, which holds substantial oil reserves, has seen significant economic contraction under President Nicolás Maduro, who assumed power in 2013 following Hugo Chávez's death.
The Venezuelan economy faced severe challenges including hyperinflation and currency devaluation, leading to approximately 8 million citizens leaving the country. Oil production declined from 3.5 million barrels per day in the late 1990s to approximately 900,000 barrels daily by 2025. This reduction resulted from various factors including infrastructure deterioration and management challenges.
US President Donald Trump had focused on Venezuela during his first term, formally charging Nicolás Maduro and top aides with alleged involvement in drug trafficking. After Trump returned to power in early 2025, his administration declared a 'war on drugs' and accused Maduro of being 'one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world'.
The 2024 elections in Venezuela faced international scrutiny, with numerous countries questioning their legitimacy. The United States and over fifty nations subsequently withdrew recognition of Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, though he maintained control through military and international support from Cuba, China, and Russia.
Operation Absolute Resolve: Key Details
On January 3, 2026, the United States launched "Operation Absolute Resolve," a military operation targeting the presidential palace in Caracas. Special operations forces extracted President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from the Miraflores Palace.
The military action resulted in casualties on multiple sides. Cuban forces, who had been providing security assistance to the Venezuelan government, lost 32 military personnel during the operation. Venezuelan officials reported total casualties exceeding 80 individuals, including security personnel and civilians.
The Trump administration framed the intervention using narco-terrorism designations. The US Department of Justice had previously unsealed indictments charging Maduro and other officials with conspiracy related to drug trafficking, alleging the use of state infrastructure to facilitate such activities.
Why the Intervention: Understanding US Objectives
Several factors appear to have motivated the US Venezuela operation, reflecting broader strategic considerations.
Resurrection of the Monroe Doctrine
The Trump administration has explicitly sought to reimpose American primacy in the Western Hemisphere. President James Monroe declared in 1823 that the Americas were off-limits to future European interference. The recently released National Security Doctrine of the Trump administration identifies Latin America and the Caribbean as a strategic priority, asserting that the US must deny influence or control by outside powers in the region.
China Factor
China has made substantial investments in Latin America through its Belt and Road Initiative, with 24 signatories in the region. China is the largest or second largest trading partner of most Latin American countries. Significantly, China accounts for nearly 80% of Venezuela's oil purchases, and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is the largest foreign company with operations in Venezuela's oil sector.
In 2024, China Concord Resources Corporation signed a $1 billion agreement with PDVSA, Venezuela's state oil company, to develop two oilfields. The US appears concerned about Chinese and Russian influence in what it considers its sphere of influence. Venezuela and Cuba are the two Latin American governments that publicly seek stronger strategic and economic ties with China and Russia.
Control Over Oil Resources
Venezuela possesses approximately 17% of the world's known oil reserves, more than 300 billion barrels, nearly four times the reserves of the United States. American companies such as Exxon, Mobil and Gulf Oil were active in Venezuela's oil sector until the 1976 nationalization.
Last month, Trump demanded Venezuela return all the "stolen American oil, land and assets," in direct reference to Venezuela's nationalization of its oil resources. He made clear he wanted Venezuelan oil for American companies, which would help the US reduce dependence on Persian Gulf oil and force China to seek alternatives.
Countering Narco-Terrorism
The Trump administration framed the intervention using narco-terrorism designations. The US Department of Justice had unsealed indictments charging Maduro and other officials with conspiracy related to drug trafficking, alleging the use of state infrastructure to facilitate such activities. The administration presented this as justification for military action to counter state-sponsored drug trafficking.
Legal Questions and International Law
The US Venezuela operation has prompted extensive legal analysis regarding international law principles.
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter generally prohibits the use of force against another state's territorial integrity. The United States has presented its justification based on self-defense provisions under Article 51 of the UN Charter, arguing that state-associated narco-terrorism activities constitute a security threat. Additionally, US officials note that since Washington withdrew recognition of Nicolás Maduro in 2019, certain legal protections may not apply.
The International Court of Justice has typically maintained restrictive interpretations of when military force may be justified. The situation has generated debate about how established international legal norms apply to contemporary security challenges.
Within the United States, the operation has revived discussions about executive authority and congressional oversight regarding military actions. Some legislators have questioned whether proper procedures under the War Powers Resolution were followed, which typically requires congressional consultation before significant military deployments.
India's Position on the Crisis
India responded to the US Venezuela situation with a carefully calibrated statement emphasizing established diplomatic principles. On January 4, 2026, India's Ministry of External Affairs issued an official press release addressing the developments.
India expressed "deep concern" about recent events in Venezuela and confirmed it is "closely monitoring the evolving situation." The statement emphasized India's traditional approach to international disputes by reaffirming support for "the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela."
Significantly, India called upon "all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region." This position reflects India's consistent foreign policy principle of respecting sovereignty while advocating for peaceful conflict resolution.
India's response aligns with its historical approach to international conflicts, emphasizing dialogue over military intervention and respect for UN Charter principles.
Conclusion
The US Venezuela situation represents a significant development in hemispheric relations with implications extending beyond the immediate participants. The operation involving Nicolás Maduro has raised important questions about international law, sovereignty principles, and the mechanisms for addressing cross-border security concerns.
The situation's resolution will likely influence international discussions about appropriate responses to complex challenges involving governance, transnational crime, and economic interests. Countries including India have emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution in addressing such matters.
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US-Venezuela FAQs
1. What is Operation Absolute Resolve?
Ans. US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026.
2. What justification did the US provide for the Venezuela intervention?
Ans. Self-defense against narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
3. How much oil reserves does Venezuela have?
Ans. 303 billion barrels, the world's largest proven oil reserves.
4. What is India's position on the US-Venezuela crisis?
Ans. India expressed deep concern and called for peaceful dialogue and respect for sovereignty.
5. Which countries opposed the US military operation in Venezuela?
Ans. Russia, China, Brazil, and Colombia opposed the intervention.