On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a surprise military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had conducted a “large‑scale strike” and that both were taken into custody and flown out of the country, ultimately arriving in New York City. Trump stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily until a stable transition could be arranged, a claim that has drawn both international alarm and legal scrutiny.
Venezuelan officials condemned the operation as a “kidnapping,” with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declaring Maduro the legitimate head of state and calling for his immediate release. Rodríguez, citing Venezuela’s constitution, proclaimed herself interim president in response.
The operation, reportedly codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, began before dawn with a coordinated strike involving air and ground forces. Multiple explosions were reported in Caracas as U.S. military aircraft and special operations troops targeted key locations, creating a rapid entry for elite forces to extract Maduro. Months of preparation, including extensive intelligence work and rehearsals, preceded the action. Maduro and Flores were initially brought aboard the USS Iwo Jima before being transported to U.S. soil.
The Trump administration framed the capture as a law‑enforcement operation targeting a criminal enterprise. Both Maduro and his wife face U.S. federal charges, including narco‑terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and related conspiracies in the Southern District of New York — allegations stemming from a superseding indictment tied to long‑running investigations into the Venezuelan government’s links to drug networks.
Global responses were immediate and sharply divided. The United Nations Secretary‑General expressed deep concern about the escalation and its implications for international law and sovereignty. Latin American leaders showed mixed reactions — while some privately supported Maduro’s removal, many condemned unilateral military action as a dangerous precedent. Australia’s prime minister urged a peaceful, democratic transition and respect for international norms. Major powers such as Russia and China condemned the operation as undue U.S. aggression.
In Caracas and broader Venezuela, the capture triggered a tense and uncertain atmosphere. The capital saw quiet streets and heightened anxiety as citizens processed the rapid developments. Some Venezuelans expressed fear of potential reprisals, while others showed cautious hope. Military and civilian leadership divisions emerged as local authorities navigated power shifts after Maduro’s removal, highlighting the fragility of any transitional governance.
Simultaneously, Venezuela’s defense minister stated that a significant portion of Maduro’s security team was killed during the U.S. raid, although exact casualty numbers remain unclear.
The operation represents a dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations and raises critical questions about international law, sovereignty, and the use of force. Trump’s remarks about involvement in Venezuela’s future — including comments about leveraging U.S. oil companies to rebuild the country’s energy infrastructure — have fueled debate about strategic motives. The unprecedented nature of removing a sitting head of state without United Nations authorization has intensified global discussion on how such actions might alter norms of intervention and governance.
