Venezuela – Down with the aggression of US imperialism!

Statement by the editorial board of Die Rote Fahne, January 3, 2026.

In a remarkable act of state terrorism and bare reaction, US imperialism attacked Venezuela on January 2–3, intervening with special forces from the Delta Force, dropping bombs on various targets, and kidnapping President Nicolas Maduro. However, this unprecedented aggression is not the end of the latest Yankee campaign against Latin America, but a prelude to further aggression, intervention, and imperialist barbarism.

In this operation (called "Absolute Determination"), the leadership of US imperialism is speculating, in particular with the shameless kidnapping of Maduro, that they will be able to divide the "Chavist" camp, turn Venezuela back into their semi-colony, exploit its natural resources, and lead the region according to their own interests. This became particularly clear in the press conference that Trump gave with other leaders responsible for this cowardly attack: in it, even the name "Latin America" was no longer mentioned; only the "Western Hemisphere" was referred to. It could not be stated more clearly that US imperialism completely negates the national sovereignty and independence of the countries of Latin America—they are all now merely territories of the "Western Hemisphere," which in turn must be under the (literal!) "total hegemony of the US."

The US and EU imperialists have repeatedly attempted to force a violent "regime change" in Venezuela. Again and again, they have built up shady figures whom they wanted to put at the top of the Latin American country through targeted provocations and protests orchestrated by Washington. To the imperialists' regret, all attempts to date have failed, and it has repeatedly become clear that this kind of "opposition" has no decisive support among the masses of Venezuela, on which they could base for leading the country. US imperialism drew its conclusions from this, and Trump openly admitted that Maria Corina Machado (the current Nobel Peace Prize winner and current "opposition leader") actually "has no base in the country." US imperialism is therefore now attempting to divide the Venezuelan bureaucracy and, by increasing pressure, break away a group of government, judicial, and military representatives who are willing to implement the wishes of the US and administer the country in its interests. Regarding talks with the current president, Delcy Rodriguez (who now holds office instead of Maduro), Trump said threateningly, "I think she was very accommodating, but she really had no choice."

Just as US imperialism is strategically interested in Venezuelan oil, the military operation is also about creating a threatening backdrop for all other Latin American countries: no one should believe for a second that they can pursue their own destinies and plans without Washington's approval. Trump has already noted that "we also have to talk about Cuba" and that he "would be concerned if I were in charge in Cuba," clearly preparing for a historic aggression against the Cuban nation. Operation "Absolute Determination" does not end with the criminal events in Venezuela, but rather introduces a new cycle of US imperialist plans for the division and control of Latin America, which can also be expected to usher in a new period of interventions and unjust wars.

However, the plans of US imperialism and the EU rushing to its aid will not go unchallenged. The peoples and nations of Latin America will not stand idly by if US imperialism wants to rise above them again and again. The peoples and nations of Latin America have had too much experience with aggression from the north; they know too well that there can be no negotiation with this monster, only struggle! Through waves of national revolutionary resistance, US imperialism will find its grave in Latin America, dug by the guns in the hands of the masses.

The masses of Palestine stand alongside Latin America, as do all the peoples and nations of the earth who are fighting for their self-determination and national freedom. The revolutionary forces of the socialist revolution stand alongside Latin America, and all anti-imperialists stand alongside Latin America. The aggression of US imperialism must not go unchallenged. Numerous actions will also take place immediately in Europe. The anti-imperialist forces will march forward and will continue to unite with all those who reject the numerous crimes of US imperialism and shout loudly:

Yankee go home!

Hands off Venezuela!

Latin America for the Latin Americans!

Down with US imperialism and all its lackeys!