U.S. Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

In the early hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces conducted a surprise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The operation, codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve," involved coordinated airstrikes and ground assaults targeting key Venezuelan military installations to facilitate the apprehension of the couple.

Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to New York City, where they appeared in a Manhattan federal court on January 5. Both pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. During the hearing, Maduro declared himself a "prisoner of war" and maintained his innocence, asserting his status as Venezuela's rightful president.

The U.S. government justified the intervention by citing existing indictments against Maduro for alleged involvement in large-scale cocaine trafficking and violent acts. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the operation aimed to address these charges and bring Maduro to justice.

International reactions to the U.S. action were mixed. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the intervention as "an unacceptable line," while Mexican officials warned that it threatened regional stability. China expressed shock and condemned the use of force, and France accused the U.S. of violating international law. Conversely, Argentina's President Javier Milei supported the action, calling it a win for freedom.

In the aftermath, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to temporarily govern Venezuela and utilize its oil reserves, stating that the intervention aimed to "fix" the country's oil industry and sell its resources internationally. This declaration has sparked further debate over the legality and future implications of U.S. involvement in Venezuela.

The operation has also led to domestic and international protests. Demonstrations both supporting and opposing Maduro's capture have occurred in Caracas, while protests against the U.S. intervention have taken place in New York City and other locations.

Legal experts and international law scholars have raised concerns about the operation's legality, with some describing it as a violation of the UN Charter and Venezuela's sovereignty. The United Nations has scheduled an emergency session to address the potential breach of international law and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.