### U.S. Outlines Strategic Plan for Venezuela Following Maduro's Capture In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a comprehensive three-phase plan for Venezuela after the recent military operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The plan aims to stabilize the country, facilitate economic recovery, and oversee a political transition. This announcement comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the legality and implications of U.S. military involvement in Venezuela, as well as the potential for prolonged U.S. influence in the region. The plan is seen as a response to the dire humanitarian and economic crisis in Venezuela, which has been exacerbated by years of mismanagement and political turmoil. *The U.S. government emphasizes that this approach is necessary to prevent chaos and ensure a structured recovery process* [https://www.asiaone.com/world/rubio-says-us-plan-venezuela-stability-recovery-then-transition]. ### Breakdown of the U.S. Three-Phase Plan for Venezuela 1. **Stabilization Phase** - Immediate efforts to prevent chaos following Maduro's removal. - Ensuring security and order in the country to facilitate recovery efforts. - Focus on humanitarian aid and support for the Venezuelan population. 2. **Recovery Phase** - Restoration of Venezuela's oil production, which is crucial for economic recovery. - U.S. oil companies will be granted access to Venezuelan oil resources. - Implementation of economic reforms to stabilize the economy and address inflation. 3. **Transition Phase** - Oversight of a democratic transition process. - Establishment of a provisional government to lead towards free elections. - Long-term plans for governance and rebuilding democratic institutions. *This structured approach indicates a significant commitment from the U.S. to influence Venezuela's political landscape, with no immediate plans for elections* [https://ommcomnews.com/world-news/rubio-outlines-three-phase-us-plan-for-venezuela-no-early-elections]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Military Operation**: The U.S. military operation that led to Maduro's capture occurred on January 3, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/stabilisation-recovery-transition-after-oil-deal-marco-rubio-details-us-plan-for-venezuela-101767840472068.html]. - **Oil Production**: The U.S. plans to sell between 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to leverage economic recovery and support the transition [https://www.nbcnews.com/video/rubio-lays-out-venezuela-plan-focused-on-stabilization-recovery-and-transition-255548485656]. - **Congressional Support**: Initial briefings to Congress have shown bipartisan support for the operation, although concerns about the legality and long-term implications remain [https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-government-delcy-rodriguez-trump-be4ef9ce2a28dbb43a31dd0a87388f34]. ### Conclusion: A Comprehensive U.S. Strategy for Venezuela's Future The U.S. has laid out a **three-phase plan** aimed at stabilizing Venezuela, facilitating economic recovery, and overseeing a democratic transition. This plan reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to prevent chaos and ensure a sustainable recovery. The key points of the plan include: 1. **Stabilization**: Immediate actions to maintain order and provide humanitarian aid. 2. **Recovery**: Economic reforms and restoration of oil production to revitalize the economy. 3. **Transition**: Oversight of a democratic process leading to free elections. *The success of this plan will depend on effective implementation and the cooperation of the Venezuelan people and international partners* [https://www.firstpost.com/world/stability-recovery-and-transition-us-lays-out-three-phase-plan-for-venezuela-after-seizure-of-maduro-13966561.html].