Is Venezuela’s name set to disappear from the world map? Has the country’s future been wiped out due to an American occupation? The superpower’s military operation Southern Spear against Venezuela has shocked the world. In the early hours of Saturday, the United States carried out aerial attacks on Caracas and has cited multiple reasons for taking President Nicolás Maduro into custody.
The United States is often accused of targeting countries it considers hostile or regions it views as threats to its security. It allegedly creates political instability and economic crises in such nations and ensures that power is handed over to leaders who function under US influence. In a similar manner, the US has imposed sanctions and exercised dominance over several countries, including triggering civil war in Syria and facilitating regime change in Iran. The US claims that its occupations are driven by strategic military needs, economic interests, and the establishment of democracy. Against this backdrop, attention has now turned to why Trump moved to occupy Venezuela.
Venezuela
Venezuela is a sovereign nation officially known as the Republic of Venezuela. It is located in the northern part of the South American continent. The country shares borders with Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the east. According to 2026 estimates, Venezuela’s population is between 28 million and 30 million. Over the past few years, due to economic and political crises, millions of people have migrated to other countries, resulting in noticeable changes in population growth trends.
Citing the reasons outlined below, the United States moved to occupy Venezuela. Currently, President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been taken by US forces to an undisclosed location, where he will face trial in cases related to “narco-terrorism.” Russia and China have strongly condemned the move, stating that it is a violation of international law.
Narco-Terrorism
According to details released by US President Donald Trump and the Attorney General, the primary allegations against Maduro relate to illegal drug trafficking. Washington claims that the Maduro government has been using Venezuela as a base to send large quantities of drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl into the United States, harming American youth. The US has described Maduro as “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers” and had earlier announced a reward of 50 million dollars for information leading to his capture.
Criminal Migration to the United States
Trump has alleged that a large number of individuals illegally entering the United States through the southern border are Venezuelan nationals. He further claimed that Maduro deliberately released hardened criminals from Venezuelan prisons and sent them toward US borders, posing a serious threat to America’s internal security.
Oil Reserves
Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López has accused the United States of launching attacks to seize control of these resources, alleging that Washington acted under the pretext that the Maduro government was attempting to influence the US economy using oil supplies.
Ties With Russia and China
Analysts believe that preventing the growing influence of Russia and China in Latin America is also part of the US strategy. Maduro’s close relationship with Russia and the presence of Russian missile systems in Venezuela were viewed by the United States as a challenge to its security.
Regime Changes Through US Intervention
Venezuela is not the only country the United States has considered a threat to its security. The US has occupied or intervened in several countries and islands. Some of these became permanent territories, while others were temporarily occupied for military purposes. US expansion has taken place through wars, agreements, and territorial purchases.
1. Iran (1953) – Operation Ajax
Leader: Mohammad Mossadegh.
Reason: His decision to nationalise Iran’s oil reserves was opposed by Western countries. A CIA-backed coup removed Mossadegh from office, granting absolute powers to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
2. Guatemala (1954)
Leader: Jacobo Árbenz.
Reason: His land reforms went against the interests of the US-based United Fruit Company. A CIA-backed military coup overthrew his government.
3. Chile (1973)
Leader: Salvador Allende.
Reason: Allende’s Marxist-socialist ideology was unacceptable to the United States. A military coup led to his death, after which General Augusto Pinochet assumed power.
4. Panama (1989)
Leader: Manuel Noriega.
Reason: Allegations of drug trafficking and actions against US interests. The US launched a direct military invasion, captured Noriega, and imprisoned him.
5. Iraq (2003)
Leader: Saddam Hussein.
Reason: Allegations of possessing weapons of mass destruction, later found to be false.
Outcome: The US declared war, overthrew Saddam Hussein’s government, and he was executed in 2006.
6. Libya (2011)
Leader: Muammar Gaddafi.
Reason: Suppression of civilians during the Arab Spring.
Outcome: NATO forces, led by the United States, carried out air strikes that enabled rebels to overthrow and kill Gaddafi.
7. Indonesia (1965)
Leader: Sukarno.
Details: The US believed Sukarno was leaning toward communism and indirectly supported military General Suharto.
Outcome: Mass violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. Sukarno lost power, and Suharto’s dictatorship began.
8. Congo (1960)
Leader: Patrice Lumumba.
Details: After independence, Lumumba sought assistance from the Soviet Union, prompting opposition from the US and Belgium.
Outcome: Lumumba was removed from office and brutally assassinated. Joseph Mobutu later came to power with US backing.
9. Grenada (1983) – Operation Urgent Fury
Leader: Hudson Austin.
Details: The formation of a communist government in the small island nation led to direct US military intervention.
Outcome: The government was overthrown within days and replaced with a US-friendly administration.
10. Brazil (1964)
Leader: João Goulart.
Details: The US feared that Goulart’s economic reforms leaned toward socialism.
Outcome: A CIA-backed military coup removed him from power, followed by 21 years of military rule.
Territories Currently Under US Control
Puerto Rico: Acquired from Spain after the Spanish–American War in 1898.
Guam: Also taken from Spain in 1898; a strategically crucial US military base in the Pacific.
American Samoa: Came under US control in 1899 through agreements with Britain and Germany.
US Virgin Islands: Purchased from Denmark in 1917 for 25 million dollars during World War I.
Northern Mariana Islands: Came under US protection after World War II.
Countries Previously Occupied and Later Vacated
Philippines: Taken from Spain in 1898; remained a US colony until gaining independence in 1946.
Japan: Under US military administration from 1945 to 1952 after World War II; the US played a key role in revising Japan’s constitution.
Germany: After World War II, Germany was divided into four zones, with West Germany administered by the US, Britain, and France.
Panama Canal Zone: Controlled by the US from 1903 to 1999 for strategic shipping and security purposes.