NEW YORK — Following the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Special Forces in Operation Absolute Resolve, the global energy market is bracing for a seismic shift. With Maduro now facing narcoterrorism charges in a Manhattan federal court today, January 5, 2026, the focus has turned to the future of Venezuela’s oil—the largest proven reserves on the planet.
The Capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores
On January 3, 2026, U.S. Delta Force units executed a high-stakes raid on a presidential compound in Caracas. The operation, which involved over 150 aircraft, resulted in the apprehension of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
President Donald Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, hailed the mission as a "stunning display of American military might." The deposed leader was transported via the USS Iwo Jima to New York, where he is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
U.S. to "Run" Venezuela’s Oil Industry?
In a move that has sparked both hope and international controversy, the Trump administration announced plans for the United States to "run" Venezuela temporarily. Central to this plan is the revitalisation of the Orinoco Oil Belt.
Investment: Trump stated that major U.S. oil companies will invest billions to "fix the badly broken infrastructure."
Production Goals: While Venezuela currently produces roughly 1 million barrels per day, experts believe that with U.S. technology, that number could eventually return to historic highs of 3 million barrels.
Global Impact: Increased Venezuelan output could significantly lower global gas prices and reduce U.S. dependence on Eastern Hemisphere suppliers.
Legal Charges in the Southern District of New York
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro faces a superseding indictment including:
Narcoterrorism Conspiracy
Cocaine Importation
Illegal Possession of Machine Guns
The trial is expected to be one of the most significant international legal proceedings in decades, drawing comparisons to the 1989 trial of Manuel Noriega.
Global Reaction: Sovereignty vs. Liberation
The world remains deeply divided over the legality of the "extraction."
| Country/Entity | Stance | Key Argument |
| United States | Support | "Armed conflict" against narcoterrorism; restoring democracy. |
| Russia & China | Condemn | Blatant violation of international law and sovereignty. |
| United Nations | Alarmed | Sets a "dangerous precedent" for the UN Charter. |
| Israel & Australia | Support | Welcomes the removal of a "tyrant" and "despot." |
What’s Next for Venezuela?
While Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has claimed the presidency in Caracas, the U.S. has signaled it will work toward a "proper and judicious transition." The involvement of opposition figures like Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado remains a point of intense diplomatic discussion.
