Security analyst Dr. Christopher Sabatini from Chatham House has characterized the United States military operation in Venezuela as “almost inevitable” following six months of escalating tensions and failed attempts to remove President Nicolás Maduro through other means. The Saturday strikes represent a dramatic escalation that many observers saw coming.
Sabatini’s analysis suggests the operation followed a predictable pattern of increasing confrontation between Washington and Caracas, with the Trump administration ultimately resorting to military force after diplomatic and economic pressure failed to achieve desired results. However, he questioned whether the administration has the commitment for sustained engagement that success would require.
The expert noted that American public opinion opposes military involvement in Venezuela, and any sustained strikes would likely require Congressional approval under the War Powers Act. These domestic political constraints could limit the Trump administration’s ability to achieve its stated goals even if the initial operation succeeds in removing Maduro.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores will face drug trafficking charges in New York, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming the charges relate to narcotics operations. President Trump stated the couple is currently aboard a ship being transported to the United States for prosecution.
The international community has responded with widespread condemnation, with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of dangerous precedents. Major powers including China, Russia, and European nations have criticized the operation, while Latin American responses have split along ideological lines. Colombia has mobilized its armed forces in anticipation of refugee flows, and analysts question whether regime change will lead to democratic transformation.