On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the former President of Venezuela, during a military operation termed Operation Absolute Resolve. Trump justified the operation by claiming it aimed to recover assets allegedly seized from U.S. companies, stating that Venezuela had unilaterally seized and sold American oil, which he characterized as one of the largest thefts of American property in U.S. history.

The focus on Venezuela's oil resources has prompted scrutiny regarding the role of American energy companies in the country and the potential for these corporations to assist in revitalizing Venezuela's struggling petroleum industry. Samantha Gross, director of the energy security and climate initiative at the Brookings Institution, noted that the oil in question is owned by the Venezuelan government, not the U.S. Trump’s claims of theft relate to actions taken by former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, who nationalized the energy sector in 2007, leading to ongoing lawsuits from companies like Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips seeking to recover losses from asset confiscations.

Executives from major oil companies, including Exxon, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, are scheduled to meet with Trump and other officials to discuss the situation in Venezuela. ConocoPhillips has indicated it is monitoring developments that could impact global energy supply and stability. Despite having the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela's production has significantly declined due to underinvestment, government mismanagement, and international sanctions.

The military operation itself demonstrated U.S. technological superiority, effectively overcoming Venezuela's defense systems, which had been fortified with military hardware from Iran, Russia, and China. Reports indicate that U.S. special operations forces executed the raid with support from helicopters, fighter jets, and bombers, targeting key military installations and air defenses in Caracas. Venezuelan officials had previously promoted their military capabilities as a deterrent against foreign intervention, but the operation revealed vulnerabilities in their military readiness.

The U.S. military's preparation included extensive reconnaissance and the construction of a replica of Maduro's compound, which facilitated operational success. The raid compromised Venezuelan air defenses through simultaneous cyber and kinetic attacks, leading to a breakdown in command and control. This operation also raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of foreign-sourced military technology, particularly Iranian drone capabilities, which proved inadequate against the U.S. assault.

In the aftermath, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on Venezuelan entities involved in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles, citing concerns over military capabilities that could threaten U.S. interests. The political situation in Venezuela remains unstable, and the potential for U.S. oil exports is complicated by the need for assurances before companies invest in new ventures.