Dramatic U.S. Strikes and Maduro’s Seizure
In a sudden and high-stakes military move early on 3 January 2026, U.S. forces launched a coordinated attack on Venezuela, targeting military sites and the capital Caracas as part of a mission aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The assault, involving extensive airstrikes and special operations, culminated in Maduro’s removal from power and transportation to New York, where he now faces legal charges.
President Donald Trump described the mission as one of the most effective in recent U.S. history, saying that Maduro and his wife were taken into custody without U.S. fatalities. The operation followed months of preparation, including intelligence gathering and military rehearsals.
“Operation Absolute Resolve” and Military Tactics
The U.S. offensive, code-named Operation Absolute Resolve, reportedly involved more than 150 aircraft and multiple branches of the U.S. armed forces. Strikes hit key bases in and around Caracas, cutting power in parts of the city and paving the way for elite forces to penetrate Maduro’s heavily guarded compound. Helicopters inserted special forces who secured Maduro and Flores in a swift nighttime sweep. Wikipedia
The captured leader was then flown to a U.S. warship and transported to New York, where he now faces indictments for alleged narcoterrorism offenses. The U.S. also plans to oversee Venezuela until a transition of power is arranged, with Trump signalling Washington’s intention to guide the nation’s future governance.
International Fallout and Regional Impact
The bold action has sharply divided international opinion. Some U.S. allies welcomed the operation as a step toward accountability for Maduro’s contested rule and alleged criminal networks, while others condemned it as a violation of sovereignty and international law. Regional powers such as Brazil have criticised the military intervention, calling it an unacceptable escalation.
Within Venezuela, reactions range from government denunciations of an “imperialist assault” to celebrations among some opposition supporters and diaspora communities. The political situation remains volatile, with Maduro’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, asserting her claim to leadership under the country’s constitution even as global powers debate the legality and consequences of the U.S. operation.
