Tue Jan 06 07:41:35 UTC 2026: ### U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Opposition Leader Machado Welcomes Action

The Story:

The United States launched military strikes on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro, an event welcomed by Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado. Machado, who has been outside Venezuela since accepting her Nobel Prize last month, confirmed she last spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 10, 2025, the day her Nobel Prize was announced. Venezuela’s Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president, adding uncertainty to the country’s future leadership. President Trump has dismissed the idea of working with Machado, claiming she lacks support and respect within Venezuela.

Key Points:

  • January 5, 2026: Machado confirms she last spoke with President Trump on October 10, 2025.
  • Machado welcomes the U.S. strikes on Venezuela as a “huge step for humanity, for freedom and human dignity.”
  • Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president of Venezuela following Maduro’s capture.
  • President Trump dismisses the idea of working with Machado, stating she lacks domestic support.
  • Machado says she plans to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible”.
  • Machado won the Nobel Peace prize for fighting against the Maduro “dictatorship.”

Critical Analysis:

The U.S. military action against Venezuela, coupled with the installation of an interim president, strongly suggests a coordinated effort to oust the Maduro regime. Trump’s dismissal of Machado despite her Nobel Peace Prize and leadership of the opposition is peculiar. The historical context suggests a power play potentially influenced by global oil interests, as one headline implies Venezuela’s new leader is who global oil interests wanted all along.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. military intervention in Venezuela marks a significant escalation in foreign policy.
  • The future of Venezuela is highly uncertain, with a power vacuum and unclear U.S. objectives.
  • Global oil interests may be playing a significant role in the Venezuelan crisis.
  • Despite Machado’s Nobel Prize and opposition leadership, the U.S. doesn’t see her as a viable future leader.
  • The Reliance share price crash of 4% hints that the crisis has immediate economic implications, with further fluctuations expected.

Impact Analysis:

The U.S. action is likely to have far-reaching implications:

  • Regional Instability: The intervention could destabilize the region, potentially leading to a protracted conflict or civil war.
  • Geopolitical Realignment: The event challenges China’s influence in Latin America as indicated by the headline ‘America’s raid on Venezuela reveals the limits of China’s reach’.
  • Oil Market Volatility: Changes in leadership and control of Venezuelan oil could cause significant fluctuations in global oil prices.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict could exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, leading to further displacement and suffering.
  • International Relations: The U.S. intervention could strain relations with other countries, particularly those critical of U.S. foreign policy.

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