As Donald Trump claims the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, The Himalayan Post explains the timeline, legal questions, and geopolitical reasons behind Washington’s escalating pressure on Caracas. There is no independent confirmation of Trump’s claim, and Maduro remains in power, according to Venezuelan government sources.
Timeline of key events in 2025:
- September: The U.S. military struck a small open boat allegedly carrying drugs near Venezuelan waters, killing 11 people and marking the start of an intensified campaign.
- November: The Trump administration accused Maduro of running the “Cartel of the Suns” drug-trafficking organization and placed a $50 million bounty on his head, further escalating pressure on Caracas.
- Since September–November: The U.S. conducted more than 20 operations, including airstrikes and naval interventions near Venezuelan territory, citing the “war on drugs” as justification.
- Thursday, December 2025: Maduro indicated he was open to negotiating a deal with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking.
Under international law, U.S. airstrikes against Venezuela’s government or its president would generally be illegal, violating the principle of state sovereignty under the UN Charter. But exceptions exist, such as self-defense under Article 51, which allows military action in response to an imminent armed attack. Operations targeting terrorist or drug-trafficking groups on Venezuelan soil can sometimes be framed as “self-defense,” though striking the government or president directly remains legally questionable.
Why this is happening:
Venezuela is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, but has been in economic crisis since the early 2000s. Experts cite a lack of economic diversification beyond oil, alleged mismanagement during the leadership of Hugo Chávez, and sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other Western countries.
The country has faced hyperinflation, high unemployment, rising crime, and widespread poverty. While increased global oil demand following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has provided some relief, Venezuela continues to report record-high levels of hunger and a deepening migration crisis.
The U.S. has used allegations of drug trafficking and regional security threats to justify escalating military pressure, while sanctions and operations aim to weaken Maduro’s government and push it toward negotiations. Combined with Venezuela’s strategic location in the Caribbean and its ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba, the crisis reflects a complex mix of geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian factors.