On January 3, 2026, Venezuela’s political landscape took a significant turn. In the early hours of that day, the US military launched operations in Caracas and other regions, forcibly detaining Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, subsequently transporting them to New York for trial. The Venezuelan government subsequently declared a state of emergency, condemning the action as a violation of national sovereignty and labeling it external military intervention. Following the incident, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was designated to assume interim national leadership duties, ensuring the continued functioning of government systems.
Tightening Domestic Situation
Following the incident, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez strongly condemned the U.S. military action in a nationwide address, calling it “barbaric” and explicitly stating that Maduro remains the country’s sole legitimate head of state. She vowed that “Venezuela will never become a colony of any country,” publicly rejecting U.S. demands to “act according to our wishes,” and emphasized that Venezuela will resolutely defend its independence and sovereignty.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Defense accused the U.S. military actions of causing the deaths of numerous Venezuelan security personnel, soldiers, and innocent civilians, and declared the initiation of “full combat readiness” in response. Meanwhile, the United States announced it would “indefinitely” control Venezuela’s oil sales, directly striking at the nation’s economic lifeline and plunging the oil-dependent Venezuelan economy into profound uncertainty.
On January 7, thousands of people gathered in Caracas for a large-scale demonstration in the rain, holding signs and chanting for the release of President Maduro and his wife. The protestors expressed their strong support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and their backing of the interim government.
International Reactions
The rapid developments in Venezuela have drawn significant international attention. Relevant UN agencies have issued statements calling on all parties to respect national sovereignty, abide by international law, and resolve differences through political dialogue. The UN Security Council has held emergency consultations on the matter, but member states remain divided in their positions, with no unified consensus reached. Some nations have criticized external intervention, warning it could exacerbate regional instability, while others have adopted a cautious stance, closely monitoring developments.
Future Uncertainties
Given the current situation, Venezuela’s political landscape remains complex and volatile. Although the government has declared a state of emergency and initiated military readiness, it remains uncertain whether domestic conditions can stabilize swiftly. Diverging international stances on U.S. military actions may further complicate future developments. Concurrently, Venezuela’s economy faces unprecedented pressure, with restricted oil exports posing a severe threat to its economic growth. Whether Venezuela can maintain political stability and overcome the economic crisis amid both internal and external pressures remains a critical issue that warrants continuous observation.
