UNBIASED Politics January 5, 2026: (SPECIAL REPORT) Everything You Need to Know About the Venezuelan Operation and Capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Jan 5, 2026
Explore the dramatic operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, delving into the complexities of his political rise and Venezuela's economic collapse. Discover the motives behind his prosecution, including narcotrafficking and potential oil interests. Analyze the legal ramifications of international law and the U.S.'s role in regime change. Hear the varied reactions from Venezuelans and American politicians, and ponder the implications for future U.S. interventions in foreign nations.
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Maduro's Rise And Loss Of Legitimacy
- Nicolás Maduro rose from union organizer to Chávez's vice president and then president after Chávez died.
- His initial 2013 election was disputed and later actions eroded his international legitimacy.
Oil Crash Drove Venezuela's Economic Collapse
- Venezuela's economy depended almost entirely on oil, so the 2014 oil-price crash devastated public services and imports.
- U.S. sanctions worsened recovery but did not cause the initial collapse.
How Operation Absolute Resolve Unfolded
- Operation Absolute Resolve began months earlier with CIA on-the-ground intel and U.S. special forces training on a compound mock-up.
- Late Friday night the mission launched, Maduro was captured, flown to New York, and arraigned in the SDNY court where indictments were filed.