What's happened
The US launched a military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, capturing him and his wife. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the action, calling it an invasion and asserting Maduro remains Venezuela's legitimate leader. The US plans a transitional government with international support.
What's behind the headline?
The US intervention in Venezuela signals a shift towards direct military action in pursuit of regime change, bypassing diplomatic channels. The conflicting narratives—Trump's claim of a managed transition versus Rodríguez's depiction of invasion—highlight the deep divisions and resistance within Venezuela. The presence of Venezuela's defense and judiciary officials alongside Rodríguez underscores the regime's claim to legitimacy, challenging US assertions of Maduro's ousting. This operation risks regional destabilization and sets a precedent for military interventions under the guise of guardianship. The US's focus on Venezuela's natural resources suggests economic motives, while the international response will determine whether this escalates into broader conflict or prompts diplomatic negotiations. The outcome will likely influence US-Latin America relations and global perceptions of US interventionism.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Trump described the operation as a strategic move, emphasizing a transition plan managed by US officials. Conversely, the NY Post highlights Rodríguez's vehement rejection, framing the raid as an illegal invasion and emphasizing her call for Maduro's immediate release. Both sources agree on the US's intent to establish a transitional government, but differ sharply on the portrayal of legitimacy and resistance. The NY Times underscores the US's vague language about occupation, while the NY Post emphasizes the Venezuelan government's unified front and Rodríguez's defiance, illustrating the deep political divide and the potential for prolonged conflict.
How we got here
Tensions escalated as the US increased efforts to influence Venezuela's leadership amid ongoing economic and political instability. Maduro's regime has faced international sanctions and internal dissent, with the US seeking regime change to access Venezuela's vast oil reserves. The recent raid marks a significant escalation in US intervention efforts.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Next After Maduro’s Ouster in Venezuela?
The recent US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has sent shockwaves through the country and the world. With Maduro now detained and a transitional government on the horizon, many are asking what this means for Venezuela’s future. Will stability return? How will international support shape the new government? Here are the key questions and answers to understand this unfolding crisis.
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What Are the Key Conflicts and International Actions Today?
With ongoing conflicts and major international interventions making headlines, it's natural to wonder what's happening around the world. From military strikes in Syria to political upheavals in Venezuela, these events shape global stability. Below, we explore the most pressing questions about today's major conflicts and the actions of powerful nations involved.
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Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez (born 18 May 1969) is a Venezuelan lawyer, diplomat, and politician who has served as Vice President of Venezuela since 2018 and as acting president after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. Rodríguez has
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Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
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Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.