The respected think tank, the International Crisis Group, warned in October that the fall of Maduro could lead to violence and instability in Venezuela. The removal and incarceration of Nicolás Maduro is a remarkable assertion of American military power. It is unlikely that the Venezuelan armed forces, despite any humiliation its generals might feel about their inability to oppose the US attack, will acquiesce with US plans. Civilian militias have been armed by the regime, and Venezuela has other armed groups. They include criminal networks, as well as Colombian guerrillas who backed the Maduro regime in return for sanctuary.

Source: International New York Times January 05, 2026 03:36 UTC