The US-Venezuela rift traces back to Chávez's era, escalating under Maduro with sanctions over human rights and elections. Indicted in 2020 for drug trafficking, Maduro allegedly led the Cartel de los Soles, flooding US with cocaine while mismanaging oil wealth.
Trump's second term intensified pressure: Boat bombings in 2025, drone strikes, then full assault on Jan 3. Airstrikes hit defenses, enabling Maduro's capture—echoing Panama's Noriega.
Oil reserves (world's largest) and strategic location drove the move, with US eyeing reconstruction via American firms. Drugs fueled the narrative, justifying intervention.
Future: Potential democracy or instability; reactions vary from support to condemnation, reshaping Latin America.
TL;DR
- Tensions since 1999 Chávez rise; anti-US stance.
- Maduro indicted 2020: Narco-terrorism, Cartel de los Soles.
- Oil motive: World's largest reserves; US sanctions crippled economy.
- Drugs: Accused of trafficking tons of cocaine to US.
- Elections: Disputed 2025 vote; opposition claims fraud.
- Escalation: 2025 boat bombings, Dec drone strike.
- Jan 3 strikes: Hit Caracas bases; Maduro captured.
- Trump goal: End repression, install pro-US transition.
- Parallels: 1989 Panama invasion of Noriega.
- Implications: Global backlash, resource control debates.
