Venezuela: The Tragic Phoenix of Latin America - From Oil Paradise to Geopolitical Nightmare

Venezuela: The Rise and Fall of an Oil Power and the 2026 "Operation Absolute Resolve"

Venezuela has become the most controversial geopolitical stage of the 21st century. It is a country where immense wealth, ideological fanaticism, and the clash of global superpowers have led to a climax that many thought impossible. The events of early January 2026—the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces - have shifted the course of history not only for this nation but for all of Latin America.

Chapter 1: From the Golden Age to the "Resource Curse"

The history of Venezuela has always been one of extremes. In the mid-20th century, this country was the wealthiest and most developed nation in South America. In the 1950s, Venezuela's GDP per capita exceeded that of many European nations. Caracas was a symbol of modern architecture, luxury, and progress.

At the heart of this prosperity was oil. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven reserves (over 300 billion barrels). However, this very wealth became the country's Achilles' heel. What economists call the "Dutch Disease" struck Venezuela: the nation stopped developing other sectors, becoming entirely dependent on petrodollars. When oil prices collapsed in the 1980s, the glitter of wealth faded, paving the way for social discontent and populist movements.

Chapter 2: The Chávez Revolution and Maduro’s Inheritance

In 1999, Hugo Chávez came to power, proclaiming "21st-century socialism." He funneled billions in oil revenue toward poverty reduction but simultaneously began the erosion of democratic institutions and the nationalization of private property. After Chávez’s death in 2013, his successor, Nicolás Maduro, inherited a country on the brink of economic collapse.

Under Maduro, Venezuela spiraled into a humanitarian catastrophe:

• Hyperinflation: The local currency devalued so severely that citizens began weighing money instead of counting it.
• Migration Crisis: More than 7.7 million Venezuelans fled the country, escaping hunger, lack of medical supplies, and political repression.

Chapter 3: Hybrid Warfare and "Maximum Pressure"

The confrontation between Washington and Caracas turned into a brutal hybrid war over the last decade. The U.S. employed an arsenal of economic sanctions that the Maduro government characterized as an "economic blockade." The state oil giant, PDVSA, was targeted, foreign accounts were frozen, and since 2019, the U.S. and its allies had ceased to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president.

This warfare also included technological strikes. The 2019 energy collapse, which left the entire country without power for days, was viewed by many as a cyber-diversion. However, Maduro managed to endure, largely due to the military, political, and economic support of Russia, China, and Iran.

Chapter 4: January 3, 2026 – "Operation Absolute Resolve"

Events reached a boiling point in the early hours of January 3, 2026. U.S. military and special operations units launched a large-scale mission codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve."

The Capture of the President

At approximately 02:00 AM, American fighters and drones appeared in the skies over Caracas. Within a short window, Venezuelan air defense systems and communication hubs were neutralized.

• The Raid on Fuerte Tiuna: U.S. Special Operations Forces (Delta Force) landed via helicopters within the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, where Maduro’s residence was located.
• The Apprehension: Despite resistance from the Presidential Guard, which resulted in dozens of casualties, Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended. They were immediately transported to the USS Iwo Jima and subsequently flown to New York.

The Legal Justification

The U.S. administration framed this not as an invasion, but as a "law enforcement operation." Maduro faced long-standing indictments for narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and the illegal use of weapons. By January 5, Maduro stood before a federal judge in Manhattan.

Chapter 5: Venezuela After Maduro: What Lies Ahead?

The removal of Maduro has left the country in a state of profound uncertainty:

1. New Leadership: While Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially claimed authority, the U.S. has indicated it will support a transitional council until free elections are held and oil infrastructure is stabilized.
2. Reaction from Russia and China: Moscow and Beijing have strongly condemned the operation, calling it a "blatant violation of international law" and an "assault on a sovereign state."
3. Internal Stability: Tension reigns in Caracas. While a portion of the population celebrates the fall of the regime, armed pro-government militias (colectivos) have threatened a prolonged guerrilla war.

Chapter 6: Cultural Resilience and Hope

Despite these seismic shifts, the spirit of Venezuela remains unbroken. Venezuelans are known for their vibrant zest for life. Even now, in the barrios of Caracas, one can hear the rhythms of salsa or see people gathering to share an arepa.

• El Sistema: This magnificent musical education system continues to function, keeping thousands of children away from street violence through the power of the orchestra.
• Natural Wonders: Angel Falls, Mount Roraima, and the Caribbean coast remain timeless, waiting for the day peace returns to this land.

The story of Venezuela is far from over. The events of January 2026 have become the turning point from which there is no return to the past. Whether this will lead to a democratic rebirth or a new geopolitical conflict remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Venezuela is a reminder to the world that oil and wealth are meaningless without freedom, justice, and stability.