Why it matters:
The attack marks a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running campaign of pressure against Venezuela and is being widely condemned as a blatant violation of international law and Venezuelan national sovereignty.
The big picture:
Relations between Washington and Caracas have steadily deteriorated since Maduro took office in 2013, particularly after sweeping U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s oil exports. The U.S. has long been putting pressure on Venezuela to seize the country’s oil, and is now, through the use of force, trying to gain control of Venezuela’s oil resources.
What he’s saying:
Diosdado Cabello: “This attack on Venezuela was horrific. It is a reality that cannot be hidden. So far, 100 people have been killed and the same number wounded.”
“Even women inside their homes were injured. Our people are noble and courageous.”
“Because of the powerful bombs used by the United States, civilians who had nothing to do with the conflict lost their lives.”
“Cuban brothers in Venezuela, along with police officers, were killed while sleeping in their homes.”
Waht we're hearing:
The attack is described by Venezuelan officials as the culmination of a prolonged U.S. pressure campaign involving sanctions, covert operations, and economic warfare.
Background:
In August 2025, US President Donald Trump reportedly issued a secret order authorizing military force under the pretext of combating drug cartels, while raising the bounty on Maduro to $50 million.
The January 3, 2026 assault culminated in the kidnapping of President Maduro and his wife and their forcible transfer to the United States.
On the ground:
US authorities confirmed covert CIA operations in Venezuela in October 2025, followed by the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers in December.
The move has sparked international outrage, with critics calling it a flagrant breach of international law and the UN Charter, driven by Washington’s desire to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, a goal stated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Go deeper:
Venezuela Reflects a Collapsing Global Order, Expert Says
Mojtaba Darabi - seyed mohammad kazemi
