U.S. military action against Venezuela in early 2026 centered on a targeted January 3 operation involving airstrikes and special forces that captured Nicolás Maduro on narco-terrorism charges, installed acting president Delcy Rodríguez under heavy U.S. pressure, and secured control over oil revenues and foreign policy without deploying large ground forces for occupation. Subsequent developments, including an amnesty law, prisoner releases, sanctions adjustments, and U.S. influence over the Rodríguez government, have produced a de facto stabilization phase rather than sustained combat or territorial control. June 2026 earthquakes deepened the humanitarian crisis and tested the transition timeline, while administration statements have emphasized stabilization and leverage over full-scale intervention. Trader assessments of any future invasion by a given date reflect this precedent of limited, high-impact strikes achieving core objectives alongside risks of escalation tied to political transition deadlines or regional security issues.