The Trump administration’s recent military assault on Venezuela has raised serious concerns about a potential human rights disaster, according to Human Rights Watch. In the early hours of January 3, 2026, US forces conducted strikes in Venezuela, taking President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, into custody. They have since been arraigned in a US federal court on charges including drug trafficking. Human Rights Watch emphasized that Venezuelans have the right to choose their own leaders, warning that US actions may inadvertently support Maduro’s repressive system if it serves American political and business interests.
President Trump stated that the United States would “run” Venezuela temporarily, although he did not clarify what this entails. US officials indicated plans to work with Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, who was sworn in as interim president on January 5. The US intends to leverage its control over oil access in the Caribbean and the threat of further military action to compel compliance with American demands, including facilitating US oil investments and addressing criminal groups.
The January 3 strikes reportedly targeted military installations, resulting in dozens of military deaths and at least two civilian casualties. Cuban authorities reported the deaths of 32 Cuban officers who had been supporting Venezuela. In addition, in the lead-up to these strikes, the United States reportedly executed at least 115 individuals accused of narcotics trafficking in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will pressure Venezuela to allow oil investments, confront criminal groups, and sever ties with Iran and Hezbollah. President Trump also warned that a second strike could occur if Venezuela does not comply, asserting that the United States would continue to “run” the country until a “judicious transition” is achieved, though no details about elections, political prisoner releases, or human rights reforms have been provided.
The political context in Venezuela has been marked by contested elections and repression. In July 2024, despite widespread voter participation, the opposition-backed candidate Edmundo González appeared to win, though authorities declared Maduro re-elected. Following these elections, the Maduro government reportedly carried out killings of protesters, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances of opposition figures, human rights defenders, and foreign nationals. Over 860 political prisoners remain detained, and the International Criminal Court continues investigating alleged crimes against humanity since 2014.
Venezuela has endured a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of food and medicine. Seven million people have fled the country, and over 14 million face acute humanitarian needs. Human Rights Watch urges international leaders to advocate for democratic transition, the release of political prisoners, and accountability for serious human rights violations, while stressing that the US must adhere to its obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law. The organization warned that the US military intervention has failed to protect Venezuelans from ongoing abuse and could exacerbate their suffering.
