Key Insights
- Maduro’s capture marks a major U.S. military intervention, with Delta Force raids and airstrikes overwhelming Venezuela’s defenses.
- Venezuela’s vast oil and gold reserves are central to U.S. plans.
- Global reactions remain sharply divided, with China condemning the action, Elon Musk offering support.
On January 3, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. The operation, called “Absolute Resolve,” marked a major intervention in Latin America. President Donald Trump announced the action, saying it was carried out quickly.
Maduro, indicted on narco‑terrorism charges in New York since 2020, was flown to the United States. He is now detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The development has drawn global attention and mixed reactions from governments, markets, and citizens.
Details of the Operation
The raid involved Delta Force units and airstrikes. More than 150 jets from 20 airbases overwhelmed Venezuela’s air defenses. U.S. officials reported no casualties. Venezuelan state media claimed civilian deaths and described the action as an illegal invasion.
Trump said the strikes were a response to Venezuelan aggression, including boat attacks and tanker seizures. Crowds in Caracas gathered, chanting against Maduro. Opposition figures, such as María Corina Machado, welcomed the move, calling it a liberation.
In a video statement posted on the White House’s X account, Trump said: “At my direction, the U.S. Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela… This was one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history.”
At a press conference held at Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump repeated that the operation was a success. He dismissed critics, calling them “weak, stupid people.”
He said the United States would “be involved” in Venezuela’s future and mentioned opposition leader María Corina Machado, though he did not commit to backing her.
Oil and Gold Reserves
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at over 303 billion barrels, about 17 percent of global totals. Production has dropped below one million barrels per day due to sanctions, corruption, and mismanagement.
Trump said U.S. companies would invest billions to rebuild infrastructure. He described the plan as extracting wealth to cover costs and strengthen the U.S. energy supply. Venezuela also has 161 metric tons of gold, valued at $22–25 billion.
Analysts note that rising prices could further increase its value, with forecasts suggesting $5,000 per ounce by year-end. Every $100 rise could add more than $500 million in value.
International Response and Market Outlook
Global reactions are divided. Supporters, including Venezuelan exiles, welcomed the capture. Critics described it as neo‑colonialism. The United Nations raised concerns about sovereignty. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed grave concern over the U.S. action.
They posted on X: “The U.S.’s move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. China calls on the U.S. to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.”
In contrast, Elon Musk voiced support for the operation. His company, Starlink, announced a free broadband service for the people of Venezuela, effective through February 3, ensuring continued connectivity.
Major U.S. oil firms have not commented, citing possible legal issues with state‑owned PDVSA assets. Markets prepared for volatility as trading resumed. Oil prices may fluctuate due to concerns about supply. Gold could rise as investors seek safe‑haven assets.
Analysts warn of possible insurgency, shifting alliances, and instability in Venezuela. Maduro now faces trial in New York, where he greeted DEA agents with “Happy New Year” while in handcuffs.
Moses K is a crypto journalist covering markets, regulation, and blockchain trends. He has written for The Coin Republic, Coinchapter, Cryptopolitan, Cryptotale, Coinspeaker, and MPost. Known for his concise, data-driven reporting, Moses focuses on price analysis, on-chain metrics, and policy developments shaping the global digital asset landscape.
