In a covert operation during the night, the Venezuelan leader and his spouse were forcibly taken from their residence and transported via helicopters by U.S. Special Forces.

While some may question the legality of such actions, international norms do not permit the extrajudicial removal of foreign heads of state for prosecution in domestic courts, raising concerns about the boundaries of sovereign immunity.

Contrary to popular belief, the motives behind this operation appear to be more aligned with securing oil reserves rather than combating drug trafficking. Despite Venezuela’s relatively lower ranking in drug production, the focus seems to be on gaining control over its significant oil wealth.

Critics have pointed out inconsistencies in President Trump’s anti-drug stance, highlighting his recent pardon of the former Honduran President who was convicted in a U.S. court for drug-related charges.

Acknowledging their objective openly, Trump and his allies have emphasized the intention to reclaim what they perceive as “stolen oil,” referring to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, which are among the largest globally.

The exploitation of Venezuela’s oil wealth is projected to bring substantial economic benefits to both the U.S. and Venezuela, drawing parallels to historical instances of resource appropriation from smaller nations by larger powers.

Despite assertions of influence, international norms established post-World War II emphasize the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from unilateral interventions for resource extraction or regime change.

While powerful nations may exert influence over smaller ones, adherence to established norms and principles of international law is crucial to prevent destabilizing conflicts and preserve global order.

The situation in Venezuela raises broader concerns about the concept of “spheres of influence” and the potential implications for other regions, as other major powers like China and Russia may seek to justify their actions based on similar claims of influence.

In light of these developments, international scrutiny and condemnation are essential to uphold the principles of sovereignty and prevent unilateral actions that undermine global stability and security.