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Sky News Analysis: What is Donald Trump aiming for with strikes on Venezuela?

Published January 3, 2026, 11:19

The recent US military move against Venezuela, including attacks and the imposition of an oil embargo, has provoked a strong reaction from the Maduro government, which has declared a state of emergency and mobilized. According to Sky News, President Trump has been warning for months of a possible military intervention, concentrating significant military forces in the Caribbean. The US accuses Nicolás Maduro of being a "narco-terrorist" and his government of operating as a drug cartel, having stolen the elections to remain in power. The initial operation against drug trafficking has evolved into an effort to prevent oil exports from Venezuela, with the seizure of a tanker in December. Sky News analysis suggests that Trump is actively seeking Maduro's removal and a regime change in Venezuela, with reports that Maduro has already been arrested and removed. The opposition, led by figures like María Corina Machado, has stated its readiness to take power and is preparing for this change. However, the success of such a change depends on Maduro's departure and the acceptance of the change by Venezuela's security forces, which is not guaranteed. Sky News concludes that the US attacks are intended to put pressure on achieving exactly that outcome. Explosions in Caracas, lasting more than an hour, have caused concern and condemnation, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro attributing them to a missile attack.