The US conducted a targeted military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife through airstrikes and special operations forces, after which Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president. Subsequent US actions have included lifting targeted sanctions on Venezuelan officials and energy sectors, authorizing oil trade transactions, and supporting privatization efforts without any congressional vote to declare war. Regional diplomatic reactions and ongoing stabilization measures under the current administration have focused on counter-narcotics enforcement and economic re-engagement rather than sustained conflict. With no major escalations reported in recent weeks, trader assessments reflect the absence of formal war authorization procedures or new military buildups that would typically precede such a step.