US military actions in Venezuela began with targeted strikes and the January 3, 2026 capture of Nicolás Maduro under Operation Absolute Resolve, followed by Delcy Rodríguez assuming the interim presidency amid a declared state of emergency. Washington has sustained sanctions, an oil quarantine, and regional military positioning without establishing occupation or committing ground forces for regime change, consistent with administration statements distinguishing the operation from a broader invasion. Humanitarian strains intensified after June earthquakes near Caracas, while international bodies registered concerns over escalation risks. Trader consensus on low probabilities for a full-scale invasion by late 2026 reflects these limited-scope actions, procedural constraints such as War Powers considerations, and absence of announced plans for sustained territorial operations.