In early January 2026, the United States launched Operation Absolute Resolve, conducting airstrikes on Caracas and special forces raids that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, prompting President Trump to declare temporary US administration of the country pending a political transition. This action, framed by the administration as targeted law enforcement against narco-terrorism, drew widespread international condemnation from the UN Security Council and Latin American nations, though it boosted Venezuelan oil exports to the US as its second-largest supplier. Recent statements by Trump, within the past week, seriously considering annexing Venezuela as the 51st state amid ongoing naval operations against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, have heightened speculation, but no full-scale ground invasion or occupation has followed, with congressional hearings and diplomatic pressures as key upcoming factors.