On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States launched large-scale airstrikes across at least four Venezuelan states, including the capital, Caracas. The operations targeted both military and civilian sites in a move that stunned the region.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country—claims that Venezuela has not yet confirmed. In response, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López appeared on state media with a defiant message: “Today we clench our fist in defense of what is ours. Let us unite, for in the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and triumph.”
Timing Is Everything 🕒
Analyst Sun Taiyi of Christopher Newport University tells us this timing isn’t random. Drawing on past examples—like delaying a 2025 tariff war announcement to avoid an April Fool’s gag, or scheduling strikes in Nigeria on Christmas to frame them as a gift—Trump aims to seize the news cycle as people return from the holidays. By hitting Venezuela just as the year kicks off, the administration ensures global headlines focus on its first major action of 2026.
Beyond the Headlines
While official rhetoric frames the strikes as a crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal migration, experts argue these are cover stories for a deeper goal: curbing the influence of left-wing governments in America’s backyard, especially in Venezuela and Cuba. The 2025 National Security Strategy redefined the Western Hemisphere as a core U.S. interest, labeling regional stability crucial to national security.
Guo Cunhai from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences points out that Trump’s second-term strategy—the so-called Trump Doctrine—elevates Latin America to the center of U.S. foreign policy. With politics in the region shifting right, Maduro now stands out as a prime target in Washington’s new vision for dominance.
Domestic Ambitions Shape Foreign Policy 🎯
Sun also highlights the role of Trump’s inner circle, particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Eyeing a 2028 presidential bid, Rubio seeks to rally support among anti-Castro constituents by acting tough on Venezuela and Cuba. Yet, he must balance hawkish pressures with MAGA skeptics who oppose costly overseas commitments. Precision airstrikes offer a high-impact, low-footprint solution—while the swift capture of Maduro could satisfy both camps.
Ultimately, these strikes reflect a broader U.S. pivot: stepping back from European security roles and doubling down on American hegemony in Latin America. By neutralizing Venezuela—a key Russian partner—the U.S. under America First aims to eliminate challenges in its own backyard. 🌎✈️
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U.S. strikes in Caracas reflect strategic shifts, domestic ambitions
cgtn.com
