The United States carried out a dramatic and unprecedented military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, 2026, striking key military and government targets in Caracas and parts of the country’s north. The operation, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, involved U.S. Armed Forces, Special Operations units and intelligence agencies, according to reports. Explosions and intense aircraft activity were reported near La Carlota Air Base and other strategic sites, plunging parts of the capital into chaos.
During the operation, former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown to New York, where they appeared before a federal court in Manhattan. Both pleaded not guilty to charges brought by a U.S. Grand Jury, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking and weapons-related offences. In court, Maduro described himself as a “prisoner of war” and maintained that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
U.S. President Donald Trump later declared that Washington was now “in charge of Venezuela” and said the United States intended to oversee a transition, with particular focus on reviving the country’s oil sector. While some U.S. officials sought to frame the operation as a law-enforcement action rather than a military occupation, Trump warned that further force could be used if Venezuelan authorities fail to cooperate with U.S. objectives.
The operation triggered swift international condemnation. At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, countries including Brazil, China, Russia, Cuba and South Africa accused the United States of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, calling for Maduro’s release. The UN Human Rights Office warned the action could deepen instability and urged respect for Venezuelans’ right to determine their own future.
In Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, denouncing the strike as an illegitimate armed attack. The government declared a state of emergency and ordered the arrest of suspected collaborators. Venezuelan officials say at least 80 people were killed, while Cuba reported dozens of its personnel also died. Meanwhile, Americans remain divided, with opinion polls showing limited public support for the strike and growing concern over U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s governance.
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