Removing Opposition 1-6-26

In 2026, the U.S. strategy to counter perceived hostile forces in Venezuela primarily involves economic pressure (sanctions), diplomatic isolation, support for the Venezuelan opposition, regional consensus building, and potentially targeted military actions like strikes or naval deployments, aiming to destabilize the Maduro regime, compel political change, and address humanitarian concerns, although specific plans for a full removal aren't explicitly detailed but rather a mix of these ongoing pressure points.  

Key Elements of the U.S. Strategy:

Economic Sanctions: Continued or intensified sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector (PDVSA), gold, and financial institutions to cripple the government's revenue streams.

Military Posturing: Deploying naval assets to the Caribbean/South America, often framed as anti-drug operations, but also serving to deter actions by the Venezuelan government and signal resolve.

Support for Opposition: Providing aid and support to Venezuelan opposition figures and civil society to strengthen their efforts for democratic transition.

Diplomatic & Regional Pressure: Working with allies to build a broad coalition against the Maduro government, isolating it internationally.

Humanitarian Aid: Providing significant aid to Venezuelans affected by the crisis, both within the country and in neighboring nations, to alleviate suffering and address instability.

Targeted Actions: In some scenarios (like simulated events), the U.S. has considered or undertaken targeted strikes or law enforcement actions against individuals deemed threats. 

Overall Goal:
The ultimate goal isn't necessarily a full military invasion but rather creating enough internal and external pressure (economic, political, diplomatic) to force a transition to a more democratic government, similar to past efforts. The strategy combines "tough talk" with tangible pressure points. 

In January 2026, the U.S. government executed a significant military operation to remove Nicolás Maduro and counter hostile influence in Venezuela. The plan, as articulated by the Trump administration, centers on a "decisive action" strategy rather than a prolonged democratic transition. 

Key Components of the U.S. Plan (2026)

The U.S. approach focuses on "hemispheric denial"—blocking Russian, Iranian, and Chinese entrenchment in the Western Hemisphere. 

Direct Military Action (Operation Absolute Resolve): On January 3, 2026, the U.S. launched a lightning raid involving over 150 aircraft and special forces to capture Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife were extracted and taken into U.S. custody to face criminal charges.

Establishment of the "Trump Corollary": Part of the 2025 National Security Strategy, this doctrine updates the Monroe Doctrine to assert that the U.S. must remain preeminent in the Western Hemisphere and will use force to prevent "hostile great-power encroachment".

Direct Governance and Stabilization: President Trump stated the U.S. would "temporarily run" Venezuela until a "proper transition" occurs. This includes potentially installing a provisional government involving U.S. designees rather than relying solely on the Venezuelan opposition.

Energy Infrastructure Seizure: A central part of the removal plan is the rapid refurbishment of Venezuela's oil industry. The U.S. plans to enlist major American oil companies to invest billions into infrastructure, aiming to recoup costs through export revenue.

Ongoing Military Deterrence: Roughly 15,000 U.S. troops were stationed in the Caribbean ahead of the raid, and a "large armada" remains offshore to intimidate remaining regime loyalists and prevent foreign interference. 

Status of Remaining Hostile Forces

Internal Resistance: While Maduro has been captured, key regime figures like Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López remain in Venezuela and have vowed to resist "foreign troops".

Foreign Advisers: Russian and Iranian advisers remain a concern for U.S. planners; the administration has used the raid as a "warning shot" to these nations to cease using Venezuela as an operational hub.

Potential Insurgency: U.S. military strategists have warned of a "force protection nightmare" if a sustained ground presence is required to protect oil assets from local insurgencies or remaining regime elements. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+does+the+us+plan+to+remove+hostile+forces+from+venezuela+2026

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader