US Military Captures Venezuelan President Maduro in Caracas Operation

In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the United States executed a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved airstrikes targeting key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, the nation's principal military base.

President Donald Trump announced the operation's success, stating that Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out of the country." He further declared that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" could be achieved.

The military action has drawn significant international criticism. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation as an "unprecedented military aggression" and demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.

The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the situation, as concerns over the legality and implications of the U.S. intervention continue to mount.