US military action reportedly led to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, following a period of sustained pressure from the United States. Explosions were reported in Caracas during the operation. Following these events, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States intended to oversee Venezuela's governance and its oil industry, stating this would benefit the United States.
Recent Developments
Reports indicate that US military action targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro resulted in his ouster. Explosions were reported within Caracas. The military operation was characterized as successful by its organizers. Protesters gathered outside the UN Plaza in San Francisco following the news of Maduro's removal.
Statements from US Leadership
During a subsequent press conference, President Trump stated that the United States would assume control of Venezuela and its oil resources, asserting that this would generate profit. US companies were described as ready to invest in Venezuela's oil infrastructure. This action, if materialized, would mark the conclusion of a period of strained relations between the US and Venezuela.
Historical Context of US-Venezuelan Relations
Venezuela, a South American republic with an approximate population of 30 million, possesses the world's largest oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels, accounting for approximately 20% of global reserves. For much of the early 20th century, Venezuela was considered among South America's wealthiest nations due to its oil. Foreign companies, including those from the US, invested in Venezuelan oil development. Venezuelan leaders progressively increased control over their oil resources, contributing to the nation's pivotal role in founding the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1960 and the nationalization of much of its oil industry in 1976. This nationalization impacted US companies like ExxonMobil.
Economic conditions in Venezuela later contributed to a debt crisis and International Monetary Fund (IMF) intervention in 1988. Protests occurred in Caracas in February 1989, leading to military deployment and an estimated 300 fatalities according to official figures, with unofficial estimates suggesting higher numbers. These events contributed to societal divisions regarding relations with the US.
Chávez Era and US Reactions
Hugo Chávez, a former military officer, established the socialist "Revolutionary Bolivarian Movement-200" in the early 1980s. Following the 1989 events, his recruitment efforts intensified, leading to planning for the overthrow of Venezuela's government. In February 1992, he attempted a coup against then-President Carlos Andrés Pérez. After two failed coup attempts in 1992, Chávez was imprisoned for two years. He became a leading presidential candidate in 1998, running on a socialist platform, and won the election.
During his presidency, Chávez gained support for government programs funded by oil revenue, which focused on food, health, and education. He also provided aid to some regional governments, including supplying Cuba with oil in exchange for Cuban medical personnel. Chávez publicly challenged the US and the IMF at global forums.
The US government maintained a contentious relationship with Chávez. Following mass protests in April 2002, Chávez was briefly removed in a coup by dissident military officers and opposition figures. Businessman Pedro Carmona was installed as president and recognized by the Bush administration. Chávez returned to power two days later, supported by public demonstrations. Questions arose regarding potential US involvement in the aborted coup. The US denied involvement, but declassified documents in 2004 indicated the CIA had awareness of the plot.
Maduro's Presidency and International Pressure
Nicolás Maduro, a trade unionist, became vice president in 2012 and, following Chávez's death in 2013, won his first election by a narrow margin. Venezuela's economic conditions deteriorated during his leadership, with significant inflation increases.
Successive US administrations applied pressure on Maduro's government, with Venezuela facing sanctions during both the Obama and first Trump presidencies. The US and its allies did not recognize Maduro's victories in the 2018 and 2024 elections. Maduro's government became increasingly dependent on oil sales to China as its primary economic outlet amid international isolation. Maduro has reported thwarting multiple coup and assassination attempts, attributing alleged involvement to the US and domestic opposition, notably in April 2019 and May 2020. US officials have denied involvement in any coup plots, and reports found no evidence of US involvement in the 2020 attempt.
Reactions
In San Francisco, protesters gathered outside the UN Plaza following the announcement of Nicolás Maduro’s removal from power. Within the US, the military operation was characterized by its organizers as successful. Reports indicated that initial dissatisfaction from some individuals aligned with President Trump's isolationist political stance regarding the intervention was reportedly mitigated by the mission's success.