US Military Captures Venezuelan President Maduro in Operation Absolute Resolve

On January 3, 2026, the United States executed a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 aircraft and special forces targeting multiple locations, including the capital, Caracas.

Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where they face charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both individuals would be prosecuted in the Southern District of New York.

In response to Maduro's capture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president, as per the country's constitution. Rodríguez initially demanded proof of Maduro's well-being and later called for calm and unity among Venezuelans.

The operation has drawn international attention and concern. Cuba reported that 32 of its military and police officers were killed during the U.S. operation, as they were present in Venezuela at the request of Maduro's government. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated that the country is "concerned by and actively monitoring developments in Venezuela and expects all parties to act in accordance with international law."

The U.S. military action follows months of accusations from the Trump administration that Maduro's regime was involved in drug trafficking activities affecting the United States. The legality and implications of this intervention are being debated internationally.