U.S. Military Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Covert Operation

In the early hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a covert operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The mission, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," was authorized by President Donald Trump and followed months of meticulous planning and intelligence gathering.

The operation commenced with U.S. aircraft targeting Venezuelan military installations to disable air defense systems, facilitating the insertion of special forces into the capital. Over 150 aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers, and drones, participated in the mission. Satellite imagery revealed significant damage at Fuerte Tiuna, a key military facility near Caracas.

President Trump, who monitored the raid in real-time, stated that the military rehearsed the operation extensively, constructing a replica of Maduro's safe house for practice. He described the execution as flawless, noting that forces breached steel doors protecting Maduro in "a matter of seconds."

Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to a U.S. warship and are expected to face charges in New York. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed their indictment on federal drug-trafficking charges.

The international community has reacted strongly to the U.S. intervention. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the action as "an unacceptable line," while Mexico emphasized the threat to regional stability. China criticized the U.S. for its blatant use of force, and France accused the U.S. of violating international law.

In response to the operation, President Trump announced that the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela's governance and utilize its oil resources for international sale, asserting that this move would stabilize the nation and curb drug trafficking.