Six months to the operation: what is known about the crisis in Venezuela after the fall of Maduro

On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a surprise aerial and ground operation known as “Operation Absolute Determination,” resulting in the capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to New York. The operation, which involved over 150 aircraft targeting key military installations in Caracas, including La Carlota, Fuerte Tiuna, and the Cuartel de la Montaña, as well as locations in Maracaibo, La Guaira, and Higuerote, marked a pivotal moment in Latin American history. Delta Force units stormed Maduro’s residence and apprehended him alongside his spouse, who were subsequently transported via helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima and then to New York, where they face charges of narcotics trafficking and terrorism. On January 5, Maduro appeared before Judge Alvin Hellerstein and declared himself innocent. The operation was reportedly planned over several months, with intelligence gathering and coordination involving multiple agencies. Prior to his arrest, Maduro had issued Decree 5200, declaring a state of external disturbance and militarizing critical infrastructure. This move heightened tensions along the border between Colombia and Venezuela, where reports indicated a climate of fear and silence. Special correspondent Diego Cabot described the situation as one where groups such as the National Liberation Army (ELN) controlled illegal routes, engaged in extortion, and facilitated drug smuggling. The region saw increased activity as both sides prepared for potential conflict. The international response to the operation was sharply divided. Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States would temporarily administer Venezuela, rejecting the continuation of the Chavista regime. However, the Supreme Court of Venezuela appointed Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, who took her oath before the National Assembly and expressed willingness to engage with Washington. This decision split the region, with countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, and Ecuador supporting the ousting of Maduro, while Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba condemned the U.S. action. Colombian President Gustavo Petro reinforced the border and warned of retaliation against threats from Trump. Russia, China, and Iran rejected the attack, and the European Union questioned its legality under international law. In the six months following the operation, Delcy Rodriguez has led the interim government, though her administration faces severe challenges. The country endured a major earthquake on June 24, 2026, which claimed nearly 5,000 lives and left thousands displaced. Rodriguez's handling of the disaster drew criticism for perceived delays in emergency response. At the same time, her government has pursued economic reforms aimed at opening up oil investments to Western companies. Despite these efforts, legal concerns have emerged regarding the constitutionality of her continued rule, as the National Assembly has yet to formally confirm her position. Legal experts warn that Rodriguez’s mandate may have expired without proper legislative validation, raising questions about the legitimacy of her leadership. Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to shift, with ongoing debates over the future direction of Venezuela. Analysts suggest that the country remains deeply polarized, with competing narratives shaping public perception of the transition. The long-term implications of the operation remain uncertain, but the immediate impact has been profound, altering the geopolitical dynamics of the region. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on the stability of Venezuela and the effectiveness of the interim government. With ongoing humanitarian crises and unresolved legal issues, the path forward for the nation remains unclear. The international community watches closely, awaiting developments that could shape the future of this volatile country.