The United States conducted a targeted military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, launching airstrikes to neutralize air defenses before special operations forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, leading to his removal and an interim government aligned with Washington. Framed as a response to narco-terrorism, oil control, and regional instability, the action echoed past special operations like Panama but drew international debate over its legality under international law and the U.S. Constitution. Since then, bilateral relations have rapidly normalized, with diplomatic ties reestablished on March 5, U.S. Embassy operations resuming March 30, and sanctions lifted on interim leaders by April 1 amid talks on energy access and investment. No further escalations reported, though Venezuelan stability and potential elections could influence long-term U.S. involvement.