Latin America faces unprecedented geopolitical challenges following recent US military operations in Venezuela, according to Jorge Heine, Chile's former public works minister and ambassador to China. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Heine described the December 2025 extraction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as pushing the region into "uncharted waters."
The operation, which saw Maduro and his wife transported to New York for court proceedings, has drawn mixed reactions across the hemisphere. "Regime change doesn't happen just by removing the head of state," Heine cautioned, noting Venezuela's swift appointment of interim President Delcy Rodríguez and continued military support for Maduro's administration.
Regional analysts suggest the development could reshape Washington's relations with South American nations, particularly as Venezuela's defense ministry maintains its allegiance to Maduro. Heine warned the operation might signal "the first of a number of other military operations" in the region, raising questions about long-term stability.
As of January 2026, Rodríguez's government continues to receive recognition from key regional partners while coordinating with remaining Maduro loyalists. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring potential ripple effects across energy markets and diplomatic alliances.
