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

On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces executed a coordinated operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The couple was transported to New York, where they face federal charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking.

The operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved over 150 aircraft targeting multiple locations in northern Venezuela, including the capital. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes and deployed special operations units to apprehend Maduro and Flores at their residence within the Fuerte Tiuna military complex.

Cuban authorities reported that 32 of their military and police officers, present in Venezuela at the request of Maduro's government, were killed during the operation. Cuba declared two days of mourning for the fallen officers.

In the aftermath, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed interim leadership. While the Venezuelan Supreme Court appointed her as acting president, Rodríguez denounced the U.S. intervention and called for Maduro's release, asserting his continued legitimacy.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to temporarily oversee Venezuela and utilize its oil reserves, stating the intervention aims to "fix" the country's oil industry and sell its resources internationally. This move has sparked international debate over its legality and potential geopolitical ramifications.

The military action led to significant disruptions in Caribbean air travel, with hundreds of flights canceled due to airspace restrictions over Venezuela. Travelers faced delays and unexpected costs, though normal operations resumed the following day.

Maduro and Flores are scheduled to appear in a Manhattan federal court on January 5, 2026, to face the charges against them.