U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela Captures President Maduro

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple was transported to the U.S., where they face charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking.

The operation, codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 U.S. aircraft targeting multiple locations in northern Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas. Satellite imagery revealed significant damage to military infrastructure, notably at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's main 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, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president, supported by Venezuela's military and Supreme Court. Rodríguez, a close ally of Maduro, expressed initial resistance to U.S. intervention but later indicated a willingness to establish respectful relations with the Trump administration.

International reactions varied. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over Venezuela's sovereignty, emphasizing the need for the country to remain independent. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for American officials to temporarily oversee Venezuela until a proper governmental transition can be implemented.

The operation has raised global concerns about escalating U.S. interventions and the potential for further military actions in the region. Analysts suggest that Trump's aggressive posture may be intended more as intimidation than a sign of broad military expansion.