Operation Absolute Resolve: The 2026 U.S. Strike on Venezuela Explained

Introduction

The year 2026 began with a global shockwave. On January 3, 2026, the world woke up to news that seemed like a movie script: the United States had launched a lightning military strike on Caracas, resulting in the capture of Venezuela’s longtime leader, Nicolás Maduro.

1. What happened between Venezuela and the USA?

The relationship between the two nations has been hostile for decades, but it reached a breaking point in late 2025. Following years of sanctions and diplomatic deadlock, the U.S. administration—led by President Donald Trump—initiated “Operation Absolute Resolve.”

The Raid: In a pre-dawn operation involving over 150 aircraft, U.S. Special Forces targeted key locations in Caracas.
The Capture: Within hours, Nicolás Maduro and his wife were apprehended and flown to New York City.
The Charges: Maduro is currently facing trial in a Manhattan federal court on charges of narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, stemming from a long-standing U.S. indictment.

2. अमेरिका ने 2026 में वेनेजुएला पर आक्रमण क्यों किया? (Why did the USA invade?)

अमेरिका ने इस सैन्य कार्रवाई के पीछे कई मुख्य कारण बताए हैं:

नार्को-टेररिज्म (Narcoterrorism): अमेरिका का आरोप है कि मादुरो प्रशासन ने अमेरिका में ड्रग्स तस्करी को बढ़ावा दिया।
ऊर्जा सुरक्षा (Energy Security): वेनेजुएला के पास दुनिया का सबसे बड़ा तेल भंडार है। अमेरिका का लक्ष्य क्षेत्र में स्थिरता लाकर तेल उत्पादन को फिर से शुरू करना है।
मानवीय संकट: अमेरिका ने दावा किया कि यह “कानून प्रवर्तन कार्रवाई” (Law enforcement action) थी ताकि वेनेजुएला में लोकतंत्र की बहाली की जा सके।

3. Does Venezuela have a military?

Yes, Venezuela possesses the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB).

Strength: Before the 2026 strikes, the military consisted of approximately 109,000 active-duty personnel and a significant (though debated) number of paramilitary militias.
Equipment: Their arsenal includes Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets and S-300 missile defense systems.
Current Status: Despite their equipment, the Venezuelan military was largely overwhelmed by the technical superiority and speed of the U.S. strike. Currently, the FANB has pledged loyalty to the interim government under Delcy Rodríguez.

4. Who is the President of Venezuela now?

Following the capture of Maduro, the political landscape is in flux:

Interim President: Delcy Rodríguez, the former Vice President, was sworn in as the acting President of Venezuela on January 5, 2026.
Recognition: While she has the backing of the Venezuelan military and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, the U.S. continues to push for a complete transition of power to opposition figures.

5. Who is Maduro’s wife?

Maduro’s wife is Cilia Flores.

She is a powerful lawyer and politician in her own right, often referred to as the “First Combatant” of Venezuela.
She was captured alongside Maduro during the January 3rd raid and is also facing charges in the United States.

Conclusion

The 2026 invasion marks a turning point in Western Hemisphere politics. With Maduro in a U.S. jail and Delcy Rodríguez attempting to hold the reins in Caracas, the future of Venezuela—and its massive oil reserves—remains uncertain.