Venezuela: US military operation fails to achieve regime change

On January 3, 2026, US military forces conducted a nighttime operation in Venezuela, resulting in the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and National Assembly deputy Cilia Flores. The operation caused over 100 fatalities among civilians and Cuban and Venezuelan guards.

Despite the military action and a two-month US naval blockade of oil shipments, the attempt at regime change failed to destabilize the country. The Chavista leadership maintained constitutional continuity, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as acting president. The US-backed opposition failed to seize power and has become increasingly marginalized.

The intervention follows decades of pressure from the US, Canada, and the UK, including sanctions, asset seizures, and diplomatic isolation. While neighboring Brazil and Colombia issued mild rebukes, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil noted that the nation felt isolated following the attack.