In early January 2026, the United States conducted Operation Absolute Resolve, launching airstrikes on Venezuelan military infrastructure and air defenses in northern regions, followed by a Delta Force raid that captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their Caracas compound; they were transported to New York for arraignment on narco-terrorism charges. Labeled a limited law-enforcement operation by US officials rather than a full-scale invasion, it led to Maduro's ouster, Delcy Rodríguez's installation as acting president, and the release of over 600 political prisoners under an amnesty bill. Recent diplomatic progress includes reestablished ties on March 5, US embassy reopening on March 30, and normalized relations announced April 4 with lifted oil sanctions enabling foreign investment and production deals. Traders weigh whether the January action meets the market's "invade" criteria amid stabilization efforts and expected elections, with no further military escalations reported.