Trump claims Venezuela is set for an oil boom after US attack – history points to a bumpy road ahead

<p>From Venezuela to Libya to Iraq, removal of dictators has not always guaranteed a surge in oil production, data shows</p><p>Hours after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/nicolas-maduro">Nicolás Maduro</a> was captured by US special forces in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/venezuela">Venezuela</a> and indicted on drugs, weapons and “narco-terrorism” charges, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a> spoke extensively about his plans for something else entirely: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/oil">oil</a>.</p><p>Venezuela’s oil reserves – reputedly the world’s largest – are set to be pumped by a parade of powerful US oil companies, according to the US president, most of whom have not operated in the country in decades.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/07/trump-venezuela-oil-regime-after-maduro">Continue reading...</a>