The Real News Podcast Understanding the US Invasion of Venezuela
Jan 5, 2026
Ricardo Vaz, a Caracas-based political analyst and editor at Venezuela Analysis, provides gripping insights into the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela. He recounts the chaos that unfolded at dawn, including targeted bombings and power outages. Vaz discusses Trump's claim of capturing Maduro and the ensuing political fallout. He delves into U.S. motives tied to oil, critiques the legality of drug charges against Maduro, and evaluates the defiant response from Venezuelan leaders amid regional tensions. An eye-opening look at a complex crisis.
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Night Of Sudden Bombing
- Ricardo Vaz describes waking at 2 a.m., hearing power cut and huge explosions that were not fireworks.
- He watched social media and saw helicopters bombing Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota before Trump's announcement of Maduro's capture.
Oil Claims Versus Legal Reality
- Nationalizations and later oil opening shaped complex claims over Venezuela's oil; many companies accepted compensation.
- Ricardo Vaz says Trump's claim "it's our oil" ignores settlements and frames future control as strategic dominance, not restitution.
Regional Fear And Outrage
- There is broad outrage across Venezuelan political lines at the blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.
- Vaz notes fear that the tactic could be repeated against other Latin American countries, prompting calls for unified regional response.