Trump Signals Further Military Action After Venezuela Raid — Markets Watch Energy, Defense & Currency Risk
Trump Hints at Cuba and Colombia After Venezuela Operation — Geopolitics & Market Implications
The U.S. military’s dramatic operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has been followed by statements from former President Donald Trump suggesting that Cuba and Colombia could be next in his sights.
This article summarizes the reported developments, assesses global reactions, and highlights potential implications for markets — especially energy, defense, and geopolitical risk assets.
Reporting is grounded in USA Today’s coverage, corroborated with reporting from Reuters, AP, and other international outlets.
What Trump Said After the Venezuela Raid
Trump and senior aides indicated in press remarks that the U.S. might consider further military or enforcement actions beyond Venezuela:
- Trump suggested Cuba and Colombia could face similar pressure or action unless they align with U.S. anti-drug and security objectives, including accusations of drug production or trafficking. This was relayed by Trump on Air Force One in comments cited by multiple outlets.
- The remarks reflected a possible extension of the logic behind the Venezuela operation — that is, confronting regimes perceived as supportive of narcotics networks linked to the U.S.
These remarks come on the heels of the Operation Determinación Absoluta raid in Venezuela earlier in January 2026, where Maduro and his wife were captured and brought to U.S. federal court on narco-terrorism and trafficking charges. ([turn0search45])(Reuters)
Reactions from Cuba and Colombia
Cuba’s Official Response
The Cuban government announced that at least 32 Cuban military and intelligence personnel were killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela, where Cuban forces had been operating in conjunction with the Maduro regime. The statement framed the raid as a significant loss, leading to national mourning declared over the deaths of Cuban service members. ([turn0news27])(Reuters, AP)
Cuban leadership denounced the action as “state terrorism” and condemned the U.S. for violating sovereignty and international law. ([turn0news34])(Reuters)
Colombia’s Strong Reaction
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla leader, criticized the U.S. rhetoric and subsequent threats, emphasizing Colombian sovereignty and warning against U.S. intervention. Petro reportedly said he would defend Colombia if threatened with military action, marking a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions. ([turn0news30])(New York Post)
Historically, Colombia–U.S. relations have been shaped by cooperation against drug trafficking and shared security objectives, but these recent comments mark a significant deterioration. ([turn0search49])(Wikipedia)
U.N. and Global Response
At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, several countries including China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia condemned the U.S. military intervention and characterized it as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Some diplomats described the move as a “crime of aggression,” highlighting deep geopolitical divisions over the U.S. strategy. ([turn0news28])(The Guardian)
Although U.S. representatives argued that the operation was a lawful law-enforcement action grounded in long-standing indictments — not an occupation — international criticism remains strong.
Verified Context: Venezuela Operation
The U.S. military raid in Venezuela took place on January 3, 2026, in a mission that included coordinated strikes and culminated in the capture of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro and Flores were taken to New York to face federal charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, which they have denied. ([turn0search47])(Wikipedia)
U.S. officials have framed the operation as necessary to confront long-running alleged cocaine trafficking networks that U.S. prosecutors have accused Maduro and allied officials of running. The Cartel of the Suns and associated figures were charged in U.S. federal court over narcotics trafficking and corruption. ([turn0search48])(Wikipedia)
What This Could Mean for Markets
The shift from a one-off military action to broader geopolitical pressure increases the risk premium across several asset classes. Here are key areas for traders to monitor:
Energy Markets
- If geopolitical tensions escalate in Latin America, energy markets could react sharply, especially if supply routes, production facilities, or export corridors are perceived as at risk.
- Stakeholders should watch energy equities and associated options flow, especially large operators with international exposure.
Energy Stocks on Unusual Whales to Watch
Defense and Security Plays
Heightened geopolitical risk often drives demand for defense stocks and volatility hedges.
Defense Names on Unusual Whales to Monitor
Options traders should monitor rising implied volatility in these tickers and potential shifts in call/put skews reflecting geopolitical uncertainty.
FX and Emerging Markets
Currencies in Latin America and emerging markets may face selling pressure amid heightened tensions, while safe-haven assets (USD, U.S. Treasuries) could strengthen.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Short-Term Trading Signals
- Energy volatility spikes
- Defense call interest climbing
- FX volatility across LATAM currencies
- Treasury yields adjusting to risk sentiment
Longer-Term Themes
- Shifts in U.S. strategic posture across the Western Hemisphere
- Evolution of drug-trafficking enforcement policies
- Regional trade and diplomatic realignment
Bottom Line
Trump’s remarks signaling the possibility of pressure on Cuba and Colombia after the Venezuela operation represent a pronounced escalation in U.S. foreign policy. Reactions from Cuba and Colombia underscore the global and regional risks of such statements.
Traders should prepare for increased volatility in energy, defense, and currency markets and monitor options activity for early signals of changing risk sentiment.
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