The large–scale operation carried out in Venezuela on January 3 at the direction of U.S. President Donald Trump resulted in President Nicolas Maduro being detained and taken to the United States. Following this, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Maduro is accused of narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, possession of weapons and similar crimes.
This event, which shocked the world, has led to various reactions internationally and brought discussions about security in the region as well as the humanitarian situation to the agenda. The U.S. side has stated that the charges will now be examined in court.
Trump’s decision is not impulsive, but the result of Washington’s long-term approach
Speaking to APA on the issue, American political analyst Irina Tsukerman said that President Donald Trump’s decision on Venezuela is less an emotional impulse and more the outcome of Washington’s long-term view of this country.
According to her, U.S. administrations have for many years portrayed Nicolas Maduro’s rule as a criminal, economically destructive system that poses a threat to the region: “Sanctions and diplomatic pressure did not bring about real change. Trump’s move reflects impatience with a dead-end situation and a desire to restore U.S. influence in the region. The fact that the decision was implemented in this particular form has sparked serious controversy and carries the risk of creating a dangerous precedent in terms of Venezuela’s sovereignty. This step may weaken the principle that political change should occur through internal processes, and in the future it could be used as a legal basis for similar interventions.”
According to the analyst, the removal of Maduro from power does not automatically eliminate Venezuela’s deep structural problems: “The root of the crisis lies in institutional collapse, economic disarray and deep social fragmentation. The main question is how and by whom the transition period will be managed. For many Venezuelans, Maduro’s departure from power is seen as the end of a rule built on fear and repression. His time in office has been marked by corruption, fraudulent elections and mass migration. In this sense, the sense of relief in society is natural.”
Ms. Tsukerman added that Trump’s decision regarding Venezuela cannot be assessed as an unambiguous success nor as an outright adventure.
“The real outcome of this step will depend on whether Venezuela will become a more stable, legitimate and functional state in the future,” Irina Tsukerman added.
Against the backdrop of recent events in Venezuela, emergency mechanisms concerning political governance and security have been activated within the country. Official bodies continue their work to maintain public stability and assess possible risks. In parallel, the development of the process is being closely monitored at the international level as well.
“The country is still trying to comprehend what has happened”
Venezuelan political analyst Ricardo Vaz told APA that the country is still trying to comprehend what has happened; although the exact scale of the damage is not yet known, the situation is gradually stabilizing and people are returning to normal life.
“The country is still trying to process what has happened. No precise assessment has yet been made regarding the damage and loss of life caused by the bombing that took place on the night of January 3. At present, the situation is relatively calm throughout the country; some shops have resumed operations and people have begun to return to the streets,” he emphasized.
According to the expert, the government has already convened the Defense Council and continues to operate within the framework of a state of emergency: “The current acting head of the country, Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, has demanded the release of President Nicolas Maduro and declared that Venezuela will not submit to any empire.”
The political analyst noted that in the coming days, the Venezuelan authorities will try to restore a certain level of stability in the country and determine what steps will be taken against the threat of new attacks.
“Nevertheless, the risk that opposition forces supported by the United States could seize power remains real. In particular, Donald Trump’s statement that he does not openly support opposition leader María Corina Machado may have a significant impact on domestic political processes,” Ricardo Vaz stressed.
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