On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a series of military strikes on targets in northern Venezuela, culminating in the announced capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a “large-scale strike,” targeted military installations in and around Caracas. This marks the most significant U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
(Smoke rises over Caracas following reported U.S. strikes on military sites.)
Details of the Operation
The strikes began around 2:00 a.m. local time (VET), with reports of multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft in Caracas. Targeted locations included Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex; La Carlota airbase; Miranda Airbase; and the port of La Guaira. Witnesses described fires, smoke plumes, and burning vehicles, though the streets remained relatively calm afterward with limited reported civilian disruptions.
According to U.S. reports, the operation involved the Army’s elite Delta Force unit, which executed a helicopter raid to apprehend Maduro. The Venezuelan leader and his wife were subsequently flown out of the country. Casualties and the full extent of damage remain unclear, as no official figures have been released by either side.
U.S. Announcement and Charges
President Trump announced the operation via a post on Truth Social shortly after 9:00 GMT, stating: “The United States has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.” He added that the action was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement and scheduled a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for 11:00 a.m. ET.
Maduro is expected to face narcoterrorism charges in the Southern District of New York, stemming from a 2020 indictment accusing him of conspiring with drug cartels to flood the U.S. with narcotics. The U.S. has long viewed Maduro’s government as a “narco-terrorist” regime, a designation that justified the escalation.
Venezuelan Government Response
The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and condemned the strikes as “military aggression” and a violation of international law. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that Maduro’s whereabouts were unknown and demanded “proof of life” from the U.S. She accused Washington of attempting to destabilize the country.
Opposition figures within Venezuela have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the removal of Maduro as an end to authoritarian rule, while others caution against foreign intervention. On X (formerly Twitter), users reported calm in Caracas plazas post-strikes, though traffic was notably absent.
International Reactions
Reactions have been polarized:
• Condemnations: Cuba called the action a “criminal attack,” while Mexico referenced the UN Charter in denouncing the violation of sovereignty. Russia condemned it as “armed aggression,” and Iran echoed similar sentiments. Colombia urged restraint amid concerns over potential refugee flows and called for an emergency UN session.
• Neutral or Distancing Statements: Trinidad and Tobago, along with the UK, clarified they were not involved. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the safety of British nationals and adherence to international law. China advised its citizens in Venezuela to avoid going out amid unrest.
• Supportive Views: Some U.S. allies and Venezuelan opposition abroad have championed the move as necessary to address drug trafficking and human rights issues.
The European Union’s Ursula von der Leyen called for a “peaceful and democratic transition,” though no unified EU stance on refusing to recognize the action has been confirmed.
Background and Lead-Up
The operation follows months of U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier group. Since September 2025, the U.S. has conducted over 30 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels, resulting in more than 110 deaths, seized oil tankers, and expanded sanctions on Maduro’s family and Venezuela’s oil sector.
The U.S. does not recognize Maduro’s legitimacy following the disputed 2024 Venezuelan election. Tensions escalated with CIA drone strikes on Venezuelan soil, including a December 2025 attack on a dock facility, and Maduro’s offers for talks on anti-drug cooperation and U.S. oil investments, which were rebuffed.
Potential Implications
The strikes and capture could lead to a political transition in Venezuela, potentially easing the humanitarian crisis and refugee flows affecting neighboring countries. However, they risk further instability, with concerns over violations of international law and escalation in geopolitical tensions. The UN and OAS are monitoring the situation closely, with calls for emergency meetings.
This situation remains fluid, with further updates expected from official U.S. briefings and Venezuelan authorities.