U.S. Military Captures Venezuelan President Maduro in Caracas Operation

In the early hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a coordinated operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The mission, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 aircraft targeting multiple locations, including Maduro's residence at Fuerte Tiuna and the La Carlota airbase.

The operation led to significant casualties. Venezuelan officials reported at least 23 military personnel killed, while the Cuban government confirmed the deaths of 32 of its military and intelligence personnel stationed in Venezuela. Additionally, two civilian fatalities were reported.

Following the operation, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. was "in charge" of Venezuela and indicated that American companies were poised to exploit the country's oil resources.

The international community reacted strongly to the U.S. actions. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the operation as a violation of the country's sovereignty. The United Nations and several countries, including Russia and China, condemned the intervention, citing breaches of international law.

In the aftermath, the U.S. intensified efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. The U.S. military intercepted and seized multiple oil tankers, including the Olina, in the Caribbean Sea. These actions aimed to curb what the U.S. described as illicit maritime trade involving sanctioned Venezuelan oil.

Domestically, the operation sparked debate over U.S. foreign policy and its implications for international relations. Critics argued that the intervention set a dangerous precedent, while supporters claimed it was necessary to address alleged narcoterrorism activities linked to the Maduro administration.