Grok As of early January 2026, Venezuela is undergoing a dramatic transformation following a surprise U.S. military operation on January 3, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro, accused by the U.S. of running a "narco-state" and rigging elections, is now in custody in New York facing charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. This marks the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, and it has sparked global debates on geopolitics, oil markets, and international law. Immediate Aftermath and Leadership Shift Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime Maduro ally and former key figure under Hugo Chávez, has assumed control as acting leader in Caracas. She has called for Maduro's release while extending an olive branch to the U.S. for "cooperative agendas," though tensions remain high. President Trump has stat...
Gemini As of January 2026, Venezuela is undergoing a period of extreme political and economic upheaval following a dramatic shift in its leadership. The year is currently dominated by the fallout of a U.S. military operation and the resulting transition in the Venezuelan government. 1. Major Political Shift: "Operation Absolute Resolve" The most significant event of 2026 occurred on January 3 , when the United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve . Capture of Nicolás Maduro: U.S. forces conducted airstrikes and a ground operation in Caracas, capturing Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were flown to New York City to face federal charges related to narcoterrorism. Current Leadership: Following the capture, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice in Venezuela ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to take over as Acting President . However, the country remains in a state of high tension as the international community and domestic factions debate the legitimac...