Venezuela was once a thriving, oil-rich nation.
Today, it is known for deep political unrest, economic collapse, and mass migration.
Recently in 2026, dramatic events — including a U.S. military operation and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro — shocked the world and brought new attention to this crisis. This article explains:
The Venezuela crisis is a long-lasting breakdown of the country’s economy, politics, and society.
It began with falling oil revenue and grew into widespread hardship. In early January 2026, the crisis entered a new phase when the United States launched a military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. This event marked a dramatic escalation of foreign involvement.
In the 20th century, Venezuela became wealthy through oil.
Oil revenues funded public services, education, and infrastructure.
But over time, the country became almost entirely dependent on oil exports. When oil prices fell, the economy had no strong alternatives, and crisis pressures built up.
Hugo Chávez rose to power in the late 1990s and reshaped Venezuela’s political system.
After his death, Nicolás Maduro became president and continued strongman governance with limited political freedoms.
Institutions weakened, opposition forces faced pressure, and disputes about election fairness intensified.
Venezuela’s economy shrank dramatically.
Hyperinflation wiped out savings.
GDP collapsed, bringing severe poverty.
Government corruption and poor economic decisions weakened trust and harmed growth.
Public institutions lost capacity to serve citizens effectively.
The U.S. and other countries imposed sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil industry and leaders.
These restrictions reduced the government’s main source of income and limited trade.
The divide between the government and opposition deepened.
Both sides accused the other of illegitimacy and unfair tactics.
On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a military operation codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife. U.S. forces struck targets around Caracas and transported Maduro to the U.S. to face criminal charges.
This marked the first time a sitting Venezuelan president was removed by foreign military action. The U.S. government announced that Maduro faced charges including narcotics and terrorism-related offenses.
Maduro’s removal did not produce a clear successor.
Delcy Rodríguez was named acting president, but questions about legitimacy and stability remain. The political future of Venezuela is uncertain, with competing visions and ongoing tensions.
Millions of Venezuelans struggle with food and medicine shortages.
Services like electricity and water are unreliable.
Daily life remains difficult for ordinary families.
Millions have fled Venezuela to seek safety and work in neighbouring countries and beyond.
Venezuela’s migration crisis is one of the largest displacement events in the world.
Host nations such as Colombia, Peru, and Brazil face economic and social strain as they absorb migrants.
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but production was hampered by mismanagement and sanctions .U.S. involvement has led to renewed focus on oil exports and potential investment, including by U.S. energy companies.
News of regime change and uncertainty has made oil markets more volatile.
Investors remain cautious while long-term production prospects are debated.
Many Latin American nations strongly condemned the U.S. military operation, viewing it as a violation of sovereignty. Regional unity has been tested by differing reactions to Venezuela.
Major powers like China, Russia, and Iran criticized the U.S. action and called for respect for international law, casting the operation as overreach.
International organizations have urged peaceful resolution and increased humanitarian support for Venezuelans in need.
The U.S. capture of a sitting head of state raises legal questions. Many international law experts say the operation violated core principles of the UN Charter by using force without Security Council approval. This debate highlights challenges of international intervention and sovereignty.
Without strong institutions and consensus, instability may deepen, harming regional peace and migration trends.
Rebuilding Venezuela’s economy — especially its oil sector — requires investment, infrastructure repair, and legal certainty.
The Venezuela crisis is a complex mix of economic collapse, political conflict, and humanitarian hardship.
The events of 2026, including the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro, represent a historic and controversial turning point. This crisis teaches the world that:
The future depends on diplomacy, reform, and a peaceful path forward.
Q1: Why did the Venezuela crisis start?
It began with a collapse in oil revenue, economic mismanagement, political polarisation, and sanctions.
Q2: How did U.S. involvement change the situation?
In January 2026, the U.S. conducted a military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to face charges, creating major political shifts.
Q3: What was the legality of capturing Maduro?
Many international law experts say it violated the UN Charter, because military force was used without Security Council authorization.
Q4: What’s next for Venezuelan refugees?
Many refugees continue to settle across Latin America and beyond, straining social services and economies.
Q5: Why did María Corina Machado give her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump?
Opposition leader Machado symbolically presented her prize to Trump as gratitude for his role in events leading to Maduro’s removal, although the Nobel Committee says the award cannot legally be transferred.