The U.S. capture and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 marks a new period of uncertainty for Venezuela. After the strike, Venezuelans across the country rushed to grocery stores to stockpile supplies amidst fears of instability and violence. During a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Jan. 5, Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned of possible instability not only in Venezuela, but across the region.  

Speculation is rife over Venezuela’s political future. However, one thing is abundantly clear: after years of humanitarian crisis, overstretched public systems, and sharp aid cuts, further security and economic deterioration would have disastrous implications for already-vulnerable Venezuelans.  

Rampant political and economic uncertainty and the threat of further violence threaten to worsen already serious, unaddressed humanitarian needs. Tragically, civilians are paying the price.

In December 2025, I visited programs operated by my organization the International Rescue Committee (IRC) at the Venezuela-Colombia border, where since 2018 we have

provided humanitarian relief to displaced Venezuelans and Colombians fleeing conflict. Discussions with displaced communities and our staff underscored the already-dire situation facing many communities. 

Conditions in Venezuela are grim, with a decade of political and economic crisis leading to the collapse of health, education, and other basic infrastructure. Hyperinflation has left food and other basic goods unaffordable for the 80% of the population estimated to live in poverty. Nearly 8 million Venezuelans are in humanitarian need, requiring health,........

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