U.S. Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

In a pre-dawn operation on January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. The couple was transported out of the country aboard the USS Iwo Jima and are expected to face charges related to narcotics trafficking in the United States.

The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved extensive airstrikes targeting Venezuelan military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas. Satellite imagery revealed significant damage to these facilities.

In response to the military activity, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed temporary airspace restrictions over Venezuela and surrounding regions. This led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights across the Caribbean, affecting destinations such as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Aruba. Airlines including JetBlue, American, Southwest, United, and Delta issued travel waivers and offered refunds to passengers.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the airspace restrictions would be lifted when deemed safe, advising travelers to stay in contact with their airlines for updates.

The international community has expressed mixed reactions to the U.S. intervention. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described the action as "an unacceptable line," while Argentina’s President Javier Milei supported the operation, calling it a win for freedom.

The situation remains fluid as global leaders and organizations assess the implications of the U.S. military's actions in Venezuela.