Unless you were living under a rock, you’ve heard about the US strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
If it’s all a bit confusing, don’t worry. Here’s the breakdown so you can sound informed when discussing it with your friends.
What Happened?
The US launched airstrikes in Venezuela on Saturday (3 January), captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and both are now facing charges in the US.
The strikes hit the Venezuelan capital Caracas and surrounding areas. One key target was Fort Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex. The fort houses the defence ministry, a military academy, and residential units for troops and their families.
At least 40 people were killed in the strikes, according to a senior Venezuelan official who spoke to NY Times. The death toll hasn’t been confirmed yet.
During the strikes, US forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were flown out of Venezuela and charged in the US.
US Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced on X: “Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”
In simpler terms? Maduro faces charges related to drugs and weapons.
If you’ve been following the Kardashians instead of current affairs, you might wonder: what does a president have to do with drugs and weapons?
Why Did the US Launch Attacks on Venezuela?
This question isn’t straightforward. The US has one set of reasons. Venezuela has another.
According to a White House article, the US launched the attacks to prevent the Western Hemisphere from becoming “a safe haven for drug traffickers, Iranian proxies, or hostile regimes that endanger [the US’s] national security”.
Venezuela’s connection to drug trafficking has been a sore spot for the US in recent years.
During President Trump’s first term, Maduro was indicted in a narco-terrorism and cocaine-trafficking conspiracy. He allegedly led a drug cartel called the Cartel of the Suns. This criminal network is tied to senior Venezuelan officials who reportedly profited from drug trafficking and extortion.
When Trump began his second term, he labelled the Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organisation. He later signed a secret directive authorising US military force against certain Latin American drug cartels.
Since early September 2025, the US has launched numerous strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. The justification? These vessels were carrying drugs. At least 115 people were killed in these boat strikes between 2 September 2025 and 31 December 2025.
Venezuelan statements tell a different story.
Venezuelan vice-president Delcy Rodríguez argued that the real objective of US military pressure since September 2025 was never a “war on drugs”. Instead, Rodríguez said the real goal was “regime change” and the “seizure of our energy, mineral and natural resources”.
President Trump’s statements after the airstrikes support the Venezuelan position.
Trump said the US will “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can happen. He added that US oil companies would fix Venezuela’s oil infrastructure to “start making money for the country”.
Here’s the kicker: Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Yes, even more than Saudi Arabia.
Why Is This Significant?
The strikes and Maduro’s capture happened without alerting Congress. This matters because the 1973 War Powers Resolution requires the US president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops into hostilities, unless Congress authorises the action or declares war.
The US’s attacks may not be justified under international law either. Article 2(4) of the UN charter says states must avoid using military force against other countries and must respect their sovereignty. Arguments are already emerging that the US’s attacks breach this charter provision.
More broadly, the US’s attack on Venezuela could set a global precedent. Experts suggest China might seize the opportunity to invade Taiwan, emboldened by the precedent of US attacks in Venezuela.
What’s Next?
Much remains uncertain.
Maduro will appear in a US court on Monday (5 January).
Trump has stated he could order another strike on Venezuela if the country doesn’t cooperate with the US.
Trump has also threatened military action in other nations, including Colombia and Mexico.
Time will tell how this unfolds.
