Donald Trump Venezuela military strikes 2026: The Gamble to Oust Maduro

The gloves are off in South America. According to Al Jazeera, President Donald Trump has launched targeted military strikes against Venezuela in a direct attempt to force President Nicolas Maduro out of power. This escalation marks a violent start to January 2026, signaling a return to aggressive interventionism.

Donald Trump Venezuela military strikes 2026: A Hardline Shift

The military action follows years of crippling sanctions and diplomatic pressure that failed to dislodge Maduro. U.S. officials state the strikes targeted key military infrastructure used by the regime to maintain its grip. While the White House hasn't confirmed the full scale of the operation, the intent is clear: regime change. This move has sent shockwaves through the region, where leaders are divided on the legitimacy of such an intervention.

Maduro has denounced the strikes as a "criminal act of aggression" and vowed to resist. Meanwhile, global humanitarian groups are warning of a catastrophe. The UN has expressed grave concern, particularly as other global hotspots flare up simultaneously. In Sudan, the city of el-Fasher has become a "ghost town" following the RSF takeover, further stretching the international community's capacity to respond to multiple crises.

The Geopolitical Fallout

This isn't just about Venezuela; it's a message to other adversaries. From the sanctions-choked economy of Iran to the tightening rules for non-profits in Israel, the global order is under immense strain. Trump's willingness to use kinetic force suggests a new era where the U.S. might bypass traditional multilateralism to achieve its geopolitical objectives.