US conducts military exercises over Caracas after Maduro's capture

Dramatic shift toward US hegemony in Venezuela: post-Maduro government (led by Delcy Rodríguez) has ceded military sovereignty and resource control to Washington. US Southern Command now operates with explicit authorization in Venezuelan airspace. Regional balance tilts sharply toward American influence over traditional Venezuelan autonomy and leftist regional alignment.

Resembles US interventions in Central America during Cold War (Guatemala 1954, Nicaragua 1980s) where military presence accompanied regime change and resource extraction agreements, though current operation is nominally authorized by the new government.

Potential long-term impact on global oil prices if Venezuela's vast reserves become accessible to US markets, affecting fuel costs. Short-term uncertainty in Venezuela creates regional economic instability affecting neighboring countries and diaspora remittances.

Signals Trump administration's strategic interest in Venezuela's resource extraction and regional control. May trigger responses from competing powers (China, Russia). Could lead to sanctions adjustments, trade agreements favoring US companies, and humanitarian concerns from international bodies. Regional governments may reassess alignment with US foreign policy.