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

In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, codenamed "Absolute Resolve," commenced in the early hours of January 3, 2026, targeting multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas.

President Donald Trump announced the operation's success, stating that Maduro and Flores were apprehended and are being transported to New York to face charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both individuals have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy.

The military operation involved over 150 U.S. aircraft, including F-35 fighter jets, B-1 bombers, and drones. Satellite imagery revealed significant damage to Venezuelan military infrastructure, notably at Fuerte Tiuna near Caracas, where storage buildings were flattened, vehicles charred, and a security checkpoint destroyed.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumes presidential duties under the country's constitution in the event of a vacancy, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores. She described the U.S. action as an "illegal and illegitimate kidnapping" and asserted that Venezuela would "never be the colony of any nation."

International reactions have been mixed. Argentine President Javier Milei expressed support, stating, "liberty advances." In contrast, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the strikes, referring to them as a "very serious affront to the sovereignty of Venezuela and an extremely dangerous precedent to all the international community."

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.