US Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Maduro Amid International Backlash

In a significant escalation of US involvement in Latin America, President Donald Trump announced on January 3, 2026, that US forces had conducted 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 airstrikes and ground forces targeting multiple locations in and around Caracas.

The Venezuelan government reported that at least 24 of its security personnel and 32 Cuban military and intelligence officers were killed during the operation. Additionally, two civilians lost their lives, and seven US soldiers sustained injuries.

Following the operation, President Trump stated that the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela and utilize its oil reserves, aiming to "fix" the country's oil industry and sell its resources internationally.

The international community has largely condemned the US action. United Nations officials and international law experts have described the operation as a violation of the UN Charter and Venezuelan sovereignty.

Domestically, the operation has sparked debate. Democratic lawmakers have called for impeachment proceedings against President Trump, accusing him of bypassing Congress and violating both US and international laws.

Public opinion in the United States is divided. Recent polls indicate that while some Republicans support the military action, a significant portion of Americans oppose the US taking control of Venezuela or selecting its leadership.

On January 5, 2026, Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking charges. He declared himself the constitutional president of Venezuela and challenged the legality of his arrest, describing it as a "kidnapping."

The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about the legality and implications of the US intervention in Venezuela.