As 2026 begins, the world has been shaken by a startling development, the United States has launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela. On January 2, President Trump ordered strikes on the capital city, Caracas, which resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The dramatic operation, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, has left many asking: Why did the U.S. attack? Is it about drug trafficking, as the U.S. claims, or is there something more, like Venezuela’s vast oil reserves? Let’s break down the key factors driving these events and explore what this means for the future of Venezuela, and global geopolitics.
The Official Reasons: What the U.S. Claims
In the aftermath of the strikes, the Trump administration offered several justifications for its aggressive move on Venezuela. These reasons were framed around security concerns, drug trafficking, and the failure of diplomatic efforts. Here's what the U.S. says:
Narco-Terrorism & Drug Trafficking
The U.S. has long accused Venezuela of becoming a major transit point for cocaine, with Maduro allegedly involved in running drug cartels. The administration claims that these criminal operations pose a direct threat to U.S. national security.
Migration Crisis
Venezuela’s economic collapse has caused one of the largest migration crises in recent history, with over 7 million people fleeing the country. Trump claims criminal gangs are exploiting this crisis to send violent offenders into the U.S., though Caracas denies these accusations.
National Security Doctrine
Framing the attack as a "pre-emptive self-defense," the U.S. argues that Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking and regional instability directly threatens U.S. security. This justification builds on years of U.S. rhetoric surrounding the “war on drugs.”
Failure of Sanctions & Diplomacy
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela for over a decade in an attempt to pressure Maduro's government. Despite this, Maduro remains in power, prompting the U.S. to resort to military force after failed diplomatic and economic measures.
While these justifications are being presented by the U.S., analysts and geopolitical experts argue that there are deeper, less-discussed motivations behind the strikes, specifically, Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
Venezuela’s Oil Reserves
Venezuela is home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves. With global energy demands and U.S. interests in securing access to these resources, it’s hard to ignore the role that oil may play in Washington’s calculus. Trump has long been vocal about the importance of securing energy resources, and Venezuela represents a key target.
Geopolitical Rivalries
Venezuela has been a strategic ally for U.S. rivals, including Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, who have provided military, economic, and diplomatic support to Maduro. From a geopolitical standpoint, Venezuela’s alignment with these powers challenges U.S. influence in Latin America, positioning the country as a critical battleground in the broader global power struggle.
