On January 3, 2026, US special forces executed a stunning raid in Caracas, Venezuela, apprehending former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple reportedly sustained injuries during their capture, hitting their heads while attempting to hide behind a steel door, and later appeared in a New York court with visible ailments, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges. This high-profile capture ushered in a new era for Venezuela, with Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, being sworn in as the country's interim president.

Following Maduro's removal, US President Donald Trump wasted no time in asserting Washington's new stance, declaring the US was now "in charge" of the Caribbean nation. Trump announced that the "Interim Authorities in Venezuela" would swiftly turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of "high-quality, sanctioned oil" to the United States. He stated on his Truth Social platform that this oil would be sold at market price, with the proceeds controlled by him "to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States." Trump specifically tasked Energy Secretary Chris Wright with immediately executing this plan, further clarifying his intent to "get the Chinese out of their oil fields, or the Russians" and invite US oil majors to rebuild Venezuela's infrastructure, reimbursed through oil extraction. This aggressive approach was dubbed the "America First" energy policy and characterized as the "Donroe Doctrine" in action.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, while extending an olive branch for a "cooperative agenda" with the US, also demonstrated a defiant posture, insisting that "the government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else." She declared that "there is no foreign agent governing Venezuela," despite Trump's claims. In response to the US strikes that led to Maduro's capture, Venezuela declared seven days of mourning, with the military confirming 23 troops, including five generals, killed. Cuba, a key ally, separately listed 32 deceased military personnel, many from Maduro's security detail. Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab spoke of "dozens" of civilian and military dead. These events prompted protests, with activists in Pasadena, California, on January 6, 2026, calling for an immediate end to military action and diplomacy over war.

The international community reacted swiftly to these developments. Russia, a staunch ally of Venezuela, praised Rodriguez's assumption of office as a decisive move to preserve Venezuela's sovereignty and unity. The Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its "unwavering solidarity" and expressed readiness to continue supporting "friendly Venezuela," while condemning external interference and calling for constructive dialogue and respect for international law. China, currently a major buyer of Venezuelan oil and owed billions from "loan-for-oil" deals, called the US actions "hegemonic" and faces potential default. Brazil's President Lula stated the U.S. "crossed an unacceptable line," and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a fair trial for Maduro and Flores in New York.

The Trump administration's strategy relies heavily on economic leverage, maintaining a naval blockade initiated in December 2025. This pressure aims to compel Venezuela's interim government to sever ties with foreign adversaries and exclusively partner with the U.S. on oil exports. The administration believes Venezuela would run out of money within weeks without cooperation, leaving Rodriguez unable to pay security forces. The stakes are high for adversaries: China stands to lose its oil supply and billions owed, Russia's state-owned Roszarubezhneft risks seizure or marginalization of its significant oil field rights, and Cuba faces a total collapse of subsidized oil imports.

Illustrating the intensity of US efforts to tighten pressure on Venezuela's oil lifeline, a dramatic pursuit of the tanker Marinera (formerly Bella 1) unfolded in the North Atlantic. Described as part of a "shadow fleet" used to bypass international sanctions, the vessel, allegedly linked to Iran and accused of aiding sanctioned regimes like Russia and Maduro's, was tracked operating under a Russian flag en route to Russia. US and allied forces, including America’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) with Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, staged at RAF Fairford in the UK for a possible high-risk boarding operation. This mission underscores Washington's determination to enforce its blockade and disrupt illicit oil trading.

Internally, Rodriguez faces immense challenges. While US officials describe her as more pragmatic and someone they can work with, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado expressed deep distrust, labeling Rodriguez as an "architect of torture, persecution, corruption, narcotrafficking," and a key ally to Russia, China, and Iran. The continued presence of a repressive security apparatus was highlighted by the detention of 16 journalists and media workers, though they were later released. Trump has warned Rodriguez of a "very high price" if she fails to comply with Washington's agenda. A retired general predicted Rodriguez might open Venezuela to US oil and mining companies, resume diplomatic ties, and release political prisoners to appease human rights concerns. After Maduro is formally declared absent, the constitution mandates elections within 30 days, with the opposition confident of a landslide victory.

Venezuela's vast oil reserves, estimated at about a fifth of the world's total, are at the heart of this geopolitical struggle. Historically, Venezuela's central bank sold 113 metric tons of gold worth nearly 4.14 billion Swiss francs to Switzerland between 2013 and 2016 to support its economy, with exports ceasing after EU sanctions in 2017. Switzerland has since frozen assets linked to Maduro and 36 associates. The country's infrastructure, however, is reported to be creaking, which could hinder a quick ramp-up of oil output despite abundant reserves.

The events following Maduro's capture mark a critical juncture for Venezuela, intertwining its political future with its immense natural resources and the competing interests of global powers. Rodriguez's interim leadership is thus defined by the delicate balance of asserting national sovereignty while navigating intense external pressure and internal political fragmentation.