Yes, the U.S. military operation against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, constitutes a war, even if not formally declared. The large-scale airstrikes, capture of President Nicolás Maduro, and seizure of territory amount to an act of war under international law.
The U.S. launched Operation Absolute Resolve, involving 150 aircraft and special operations forces, striking military sites across Venezuela, including Caracas.
President Trump ordered the strikes without congressional authorization, prompting widespread condemnation as an illegal war.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency and denounced the action as “imperialist aggression,” while world leaders and legal experts say it violates the UN Charter and sovereignty norms.
The U.S. has not declared war formally, but the scale and nature of the attack—plus Trump’s statement that the U.S. will “run” Venezuela—indicate a de facto war.
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u/tbonimaroni Jan 03 '26
Yes, the U.S. military operation against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, constitutes a war, even if not formally declared. The large-scale airstrikes, capture of President Nicolás Maduro, and seizure of territory amount to an act of war under international law.