US Military Operation in Venezuela and Threats Against Cuba

Severity: High (Score: 71.0)

Sources: Swp-Berlin, www.whitehouse.gov, www.dgfir.de, www.theguardian.com, Atlanticcouncil

Summary

On January 3, 2026, the US conducted a military operation named 'Absolute Resolve' that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation led to approximately 100 fatalities, including members of the Venezuelan security forces and civilians. Following the operation, the US government imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, significantly impacting Cuba's economy, which relied on Venezuela for 70% of its oil imports. The US has threatened further actions against Cuba, with President Trump stating intentions to 'take' the country. Legal experts have indicated that these actions violate international law. The situation has escalated tensions in the region, with calls for international support for civil society in both Venezuela and Cuba. As of now, the humanitarian situation in Cuba has worsened due to the blockade, and the geopolitical landscape remains unstable. Key Points: • The US military operation in Venezuela resulted in the abduction of President Maduro. • Approximately 100 people were killed during the operation, including civilians. • The US has imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, worsening its humanitarian crisis.

Key Entities

• Absolute Resolve (campaign)
• Plan Colombia (campaign)
• Plan Venezuela (campaign)
• Bolivarian Republic Of Venezuela (country)
• Colombia (country)
• Cuba (country)
• Germany (country)
• Iran (country)
• swp-berlin.org (domain)