Pieter Kriel Weighs In: US Military Moves in Venezuela Explained

A South African political commentator and human rights activist, Pieter Kriel, has stirred conversations with his recent insights regarding the US's military actions in Venezuela. He took to Facebook on January 4, 2026, to share a video elucidating why he believes the US government has targeted Venezuela's leadership.

"The US wants to cut off Venezuelan oil to China."

Kriel argued that the timing of the US intervention is not coincidental. He linked it to China's recent declarations about taking Taiwan by 2027, suggesting that this geopolitical move is part of a broader strategy. He emphasized that modern warfare transcends the use of troops or missiles, focusing instead on strategic positioning and preparation ahead of time.

According to Kriel, since 2022, the US has been increasingly dedicated to altering the geopolitical landscape by weakening rivals, disrupting supply chains, and controlling vital resources. He highlighted Venezuela's significance, noting that it holds the largest oil reserves globally and has long been China's main oil supplier. For China to consider a substantial military operation, securing oil supplies is critical.

Kriel articulated that from Washington's perspective, ousting Venezuela's government reduces China's energy security, positions the US as the dominant force in the region, and creates an opportunity to elect a president more favorable to US interests. He poignantly remarked:

"This is what a 21st-century empire looks like. Rearranging the board before the war even starts."

Netizens Rally Behind Kriel's Analysis

Social media users have reacted enthusiastically to Kriel's grounded analysis on the unfolding US-Venezuela scenario:

@Starn Shwing: "This young man is always on point 👌"

@Joas Shilako: "That will be the start of the real WORLD war 3, I think."

@Millennium Expressions: "They are within their right. They built that oil industry."

@Kagiso Motshelanoka: "Where do you get so much information cause you always make sense?"

What Sparked the US Involvement in Venezuela?

In the backdrop of Kriel's commentary, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is not at war with Venezuela, which followed US military strikes in the region. He confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been taken into US custody to face drug and weapons charges.

Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino, condemned the US actions, labeling them as military aggression that resulted in civilian casualties. The Venezuelan army has since pledged allegiance to interim President Delcy Rodríguez.

Watch Kriel’s thought-provoking video on Facebook below:

More Insights on US Actions in Latin America

• Briefly News recently highlighted Donald Trump's concerning warnings to Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba.
• South Africa raised alarms regarding US military actions during a UN Security Council meeting.
• A South African man gained viral attention for asking US President Donald Trump to detain President Cyril Ramaphosa following Maduro's abduction.