The recent action by the United States in carrying out a military operation on Venezuelan soil and arresting President Nicolás Maduro must be regarded as one of the most controversial and unprecedented political events of recent years—an incident that has shocked not only Latin America, but the entire international system.

In this operation, U.S. forces entered Venezuelan territory, detained Maduro and his wife, and transferred them to the United States to stand trial. The operation was accompanied by heavy clashes and human casualties, and in practice amounted to a direct military intervention aimed at changing the balance of power in a sovereign country.

Washington has justified the move with accusations such as drug trafficking and “narco-terrorism,” but a large part of the international community considers this explanation insufficient. In the view of many governments and analysts, what has happened is nothing less than a blatant violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and a breach of one of the most fundamental principles of international law: the prohibition of the use of force.

The significance of this event goes far beyond Venezuela’s internal political fate. The operation sends a deeply alarming message: that major powers can, without authorization from international institutions and purely on the basis of their own judgments and interests, attack an independent country and even arrest its president. If such a pattern becomes normalized, the very concept of a “rules-based international order” will give way to a “might-makes-right” world order.

From a geopolitical perspective, this move is likely to intensify tensions between the United States and major rivals such as China and Russia, pushing the world into a more dangerous phase of great-power rivalry—one in which shared international rules are increasingly weakened.

At the regional level, Latin American countries fear that this precedent could lead to wider instability, internal conflicts, and new waves of humanitarian and migration crises. Many governments in the region have received a clear message: national sovereignty is no longer guaranteed, and any country could one day become a target under similar pretexts.

At the same time, the economic and energy dimension cannot be ignored. Venezuela possesses the largest oil reserves in the world, and any shift in the balance of power there can have a direct impact on global energy markets and on the competition among major powers over resources.

Overall, the arrest of Maduro is far more than a legal or security case. It is a sign of a dangerous turn in global politics: a move toward normalizing the use of force, weakening international law, and returning to a logic in which power stands above law. The earthquake that has begun in Venezuela today may tomorrow shake the foundations of the global order elsewhere.

Israeli authorities have issued a tender to build 3,401 new settler units east of occupied al-Quds, despite international condemnation of Tel Aviv’s ongoing settlement expansion.

The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said on Wednesday that the move represents a “highly dangerous escalation” in Israel’s accelerated colonization of Palestinian lands.

According to the commission, Israeli authorities have shifted from planning and approval to active implementation of the project.

Commission head Muayyad Shaaban said the tender is part of a plan approved in August 2025.

He noted that in 2025, Israel issued tenders for 10,098 settlement units across the occupied West Bank, with over 7,000 allocated to the Ma’ale Adumim settlement.

Shaaban warned that the tender effectively severs occupied al-Quds from its Palestinian surroundings and links the Ma’ale Adumim settlement to the city.

He said the project undermines any realistic prospect of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state and aims to fundamentally alter the city’s demographic and geographic landscape.

Israel’s anti-settlement organization Peace Now condemned the tender as “political recklessness” that erodes the possibility of a political solution.

It said the settlement building seeks to entrench irreversible facts on the ground that would lead towards an "apartheid-like system."

Peace Now noted that 2025 ended with a record 9,629 settlement units approved, including more than 6,700 in Ma’ale Adumim, exceeding the total published tenders of the previous six years combined.

The organization added that the tenders stem from a framework agreement signed in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu between Israeli authorities and the Ma’ale Adumim municipality.

Since Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967, more than 700,000 Israeli settlers have settled in over 279 settlements across the occupied territories.

While all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, the occupying regime has stepped up settlement expansion in blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In a landmark opinion in July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds.

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Surah Ibrahim

And when your Lord declared: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favor, but if you are ungrateful, then indeed My punishment is severe." 

Stages of Gratitude for Blessings

Heart-based gratitude; meaning that a person should recognize all blessings as coming from God.

Tongue-based gratitude; such as a person saying: Alhamdulillah 

Practical gratitude; is gratitude that is achieved by performing acts of worship and spending one's life and wealth in the path of pleasing God and serving people.

The acting-president of Venezuela, chosen by its highest court of law, says the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro carries a “Zionist tint.”

After US forces launched an attack on Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in the abduction of Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court designated Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president to ensure “administrative continuity” and form the country’s National Defense Council.

The US forces' attack involved over 150 aircraft and marked a significant intervention amid multiple attempts to topple the democratically elected government of Maduro, including allegations of leading a drug trafficking cartel.

Rodríguez, who was designated as interim leader, demanded that Maduro and his wife, who were flown to a detention facility in New York after abduction, be immediately released.

In a televised address late Saturday, she condemned the US forces' attack, saying it carried a “Zionist tint.”

During her speech, she emphasized that Maduro remains the “only president of Venezuela” and demanded his immediate release.

Rodríguez described the attack as an “unprecedented military aggression” by the US, asserting that it was motivated by a desire to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

Surrounded by military leaders and Cabinet officials, Rodríguez said that a National Defense Council had been formed and with the full deployment of Venezuela’s national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, the Bolivarian state “will never again be a colony of any empire.”

Rodríguez’s remark about the attack carrying a “Zionist tint” points to the involvement or influence of Israeli regime forces in the American forces' attack.

“The governments of the world are simply shocked that it is the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which is the victim and subject of an attack of this nature, which has, without a doubt, a Zionist tint,” she said.

Rodríguez stressed that governments around the world were shocked by the US aggression against the Latin American state, insisting that “history and justice will make them pay.”

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1. National Unity: The Key to True Power

History has shown that any country under external pressure can only resist effectively if its people are united.

In Venezuela, political and factional divisions have made it easier for the U.S. and its allies to exercise economic and media influence.

When the people unite, no sanctions, threats, or external pressure can fully control the government or the nation.

2. Active Resistance, Not Passive

Resistance is not only military; economic, cultural, and political resistance is equally important.

Sanctions, psychological warfare, and media pressure can be countered through self-reliance, grassroots support networks, and maintaining national morale.

Venezuela’s experience shows that real power emerges when people are fearless and take responsibility for their own destiny.

3. The United States and Its Motives

Trump and successive U.S. administrations are fundamentally after Venezuela’s oil resources, not the welfare of its people.

U.S. focus is on oil, minerals, and natural revenues—not on citizens’ rights or prosperity.

Every political pressure or action from the U.S. is mostly a tool to control the country’s resources rather than help the population.

4. Key Conclusion

Only national unity + intelligent resistance can limit U.S. interference and conspiracies.

Maduro or any political leaders can succeed only if they have real backing from a united population.

Without popular resistance, economic and media pressure from the U.S. can weaken internal stability and reduce national independence.

Possible scenarios and their relative likelihood

Scenario 1: Full return of Maduro (low probability – around 15%)

This scenario would only occur if:

The Venezuelan military remains fully unified and loyal

Russia, China, or other allies provide practical, not just political, support

The United States concludes that the cost of the crisis is too high

The main weakness of this scenario:

The U.S. rarely withdraws completely once pressure has begun

Economic pressure is long-term and exhausting

Even Maduro’s allies prioritize stability over endless confrontation

Outcome:

If Maduro returns, he would likely return weaker, more constrained, and forced to make major concessions.

Scenario 2: Gradual removal of Maduro without state collapse (most likely – around 45%)

This is the scenario the United States generally prefers:

Maduro exits formal power (not necessarily through force)

A transitional government or managed elections are formed

State institutions, the army, and borders remain intact

Limited economic reopening toward the West

Key characteristics:

No sudden revolution

No full military occupation

No large-scale civil war

Outcome:

Venezuela does not become another Syria or Libya

But its political independence is significantly reduced

Foreign policy shifts decisively

This scenario is considered the most “manageable” by the U.S., Europe, and some regional actors.

Scenario 3: Chronic, long-term instability (around 30%)

In this case:

Maduro is neither fully removed nor fully restored

No replacement government fully stabilizes

Protests, sanctions, and economic hardship continue

Comparable cases:

Iraq after 2003

Lebanon in recent years

Outcome:

Ordinary people suffer the most

Emigration increases

The country remains weak but does not disintegrate

Scenario 4: Full collapse or civil war (low probability – around 10%)

This is the worst-case scenario, and current indicators do not strongly support it, because:

The Venezuelan military remains largely cohesive

Society is not deeply fragmented into heavily armed factions

Neighboring countries fear extreme instability

What is likely to happen to Maduro personally?

The most realistic forecast:

He is unlikely to return as a powerful sitting president

He may:

Remain in exile

Retain a symbolic or behind-the-scenes role

Exit politics in exchange for guarantees

Historical pattern:

Not a heroic survival like Fidel Castro

Not a violent downfall like Muammar Gaddafi

More similar to leaders gradually removed from power in Latin America

Venezuela’s future in one sentence

Venezuela will likely:

Remain a unified country

Experience reduced political and economic independence

Need many years to regain stability

Final, very direct conclusion

The United States is not seeking total destruction

It is seeking controllable influence

Maduro is unlikely to return, but removing him will be costly and gradual

The Venezuelan people will bear the heaviest burden

1. Political independence and breaking away from U.S. influence

The serious conflict began when:

Venezuela, starting in the era of Hugo Chávez, adopted a strongly anti-hegemonic policy toward the United States.

Strategic relations with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba were expanded.

U.S. influence in Latin America was openly challenged.

From Washington’s perspective, Venezuela became: “A dangerous model for other countries in the region.”

2. Oil as the central issue

Venezuela:

Possesses the largest proven oil reserves in the world.

Nationalized its oil industry, pushing out major U.S. companies.

Sold oil outside frameworks preferred by the United States.

For the U.S., Venezuela represents:

A threat to energy security interests.

A challenge to liberal capitalist economic models.

An obstacle to controlling the regional energy market.

Accusations the United States has made against Nicolás Maduro

To justify pressure, the U.S. has consistently raised several accusations:

1. “Dictatorship and election fraud”

Claims that elections are not free or fair.

Labels Maduro’s government as illegitimate.

This is despite the fact that:

Maduro has been elected multiple times.

Some non-Western international observers have recognized aspects of these elections.

2. “Human rights violations”

Allegations of suppressing protests.

Claims of detaining political opponents.

These accusations are often used as a political tool, while U.S. allies with comparable or worse records are treated differently.

3. “Drug trafficking and corruption”

Accusations that Maduro and senior officials cooperate with drug cartels.

Publicly announced rewards for Maduro’s arrest.

This level of accusation is generally seen as a step toward: Legitimizing regime change rather than simply combating corruption.

What are the real U.S. strategies toward Venezuela? (Strategic analysis)

Without exaggeration or slogans, the commonly discussed scenarios are:

Scenario 1: Internal collapse

Severe economic sanctions.

Pressure on daily life to provoke social unrest.

Media campaigns to undermine the government’s legitimacy.

Objective:

Government collapse without direct military intervention.

Scenario 2: Installing a replacement government

Support for aligned opposition groups.

Recognition of an alternative “interim president” (such as Juan Guaidó in the past).

Seizure of Venezuelan assets abroad.

Objective:

Political control without military occupation.

Scenario 3: Sending a warning to Venezuela’s allies

Indirect pressure on countries such as Iran, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

Demonstrating the cost of defying U.S. influence.

Objective:

Maintaining regional hegemony.

What does the United States ultimately want?

In summary:

It does not want Venezuela to remain fully independent.

It does not want Venezuela to serve as an anti-U.S. resistance model.

It does not want Venezuelan oil resources to remain outside its influence.

It seeks instead:

A compliant government.

Open access for U.S. corporations.

The weakening or removal of resistance-aligned governments in Latin America.

Final summary

The U.S. problem is not simply Nicolás Maduro as an individual.

The core issue is an independent Venezuela.

Widespread Protests in Caracas and Across Venezuela

“Venezuelans Take to the Streets in Mass Demonstrations Against U.S. Attack”

People in Caracas and other cities have held large protests against the U.S. military assault, chanting slogans in support of national sovereignty and condemning the foreign intervention. Demonstrators have expressed anger over the bombings, the capture of President Maduro, and the violation of their country’s independence. Responses from protesters reflect deep resentment toward the attack and strong calls for unity and resistance among Venezuelans. 

Shock and Emotion After Capture of President Maduro

“Emotional Reactions Across Venezuelan Communities After Maduro’s Capture”

Photos and accounts from within Venezuela show a mix of intense emotional reactions among citizens — ranging from anger and horror to fear for the nation’s future after reports of President Nicolás Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces. Many ordinary people appear stunned and uncertain about what comes next, while public gatherings reflect both mourning and defiance. 

 Mixed International Eyewitness Reports Reflect Local Sentiment

“On-the-Ground Reports Describe Venezuelan Public in Shock and Defiance”

Eyewitness and Reuters summaries from the region indicate that Venezuelan society is largely in shock, with many civilians overwhelmed by the rapid military developments. There are also reports of fear about instability and concern for everyday survival alongside resistance to external intervention. 

“World in Shock — Colombia Condemns U.S. Attack on Venezuela and Maduro’s Detention”

Following the U.S. military intervention and reported detention of President Maduro, the President of Colombia publicly condemned the attack as unacceptable and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. The Colombian government has put border security forces on alert amid concerns of escalating regional instability.

U.S. Strikes Venezuela and Captures Maduro; Trump Says U.S. Will ‘Run the Country’ for Now”

The United States launched a major military strike on Venezuela, targeting Caracas and other regions. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured by U.S. forces and removed from the country. Trump stated the U.S. will oversee the situation in Venezuela while further decisions are made. Strong explosions were heard across the capital.