In a military operation on 3 January 2026, the United States struck targets across Venezuela and seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, flying them to New York to face narco-terrorism charges.
Shortly before 02:00 local time (UTC-4) on 3 January 2026, the United States launched a coordinated military operation – codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve – against Venezuela. More than 150 US aircraft supported rapid ground movements near Caracas, including airstrikes on air bases and strategic locations.
Within hours, elite forces reached President Nicolás Maduro’s compound at Fuerte Tiuna, overcame resistance, and took him and his wife, Cilia Flores, into custody.
Maduro and Flores were swiftly transported by helicopter to the US Navy ship USS Iwo Jima and then flown to New York City, where they were processed and detained.
According to US authorities, both are charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking conspiracy and related offences in the Southern District of New York – charges that carry possible life sentences.
US President Donald Trump publicly declared that Washington is now “in charge” of Venezuela and that American forces would oversee a “safe, proper and judicious transition” of governance.
Trump said that Venezuelan military forces were neutralised “very quickly” and hailed the capture as a major blow against alleged criminal networks spanning Latin America.
Timeline of Escalation and Reactions
Weeks before – Rising pressure:
In the months leading up to the attack, the United States had intensified pressure on Maduro’s government with a series of military and legal moves. Throughout late 2025, US forces struck dozens of vessels allegedly carrying drugs in Caribbean waters, and Washington imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil companies and tankers, tightening economic and military pressure on Caracas.
31 December 2025 – Naval and air readiness:
With rising tension, the US deployed a large naval task force to the region, signalling the gravest build-up of forces near Venezuela in generations. Maduro’s government repeatedly accused Washington of seeking regime change and control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
3 January, early hours – Strikes and seizure:
The decisive operation began before dawn on 3 January, with initial explosions reported across northern Venezuela, including around Caracas and La Guaira. Venezuela briefly lost power in parts of the capital amid reports of heavy bombardment on defence sites.
By mid-morning, US officials confirmed Maduro’s capture and removal from Venezuelan territory. Trump’s announcement included plans to involve US law enforcement in prosecuting the former president on drug-related charges.
Afternoon and evening – Global and regional response:
Within hours of the announcement, world leaders weighed in. Russia demanded the immediate release of Maduro and called for diplomatic solutions, condemning the US action as a violation of international law. China similarly denounced the military intervention and urged respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
Interim governance in Caracas:
With Maduro removed, Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president under orders of the Venezuelan Supreme Court. Initially denouncing the US operation, Rodríguez later adopted a more conciliatory tone, offering to “collaborate” with American officials to ensure stability and avert further conflict.
Domestic reaction in Venezuela has been mixed: some citizens and opposition groups celebrated Maduro’s departure, while others condemned the US actions as imperialistic and a violation of national sovereignty.
Legal and Geopolitical Implications
Charges and court appearance:
Maduro’s expected appearance in a Manhattan federal court marks an extraordinary legal moment: a foreign head of state extradited by force to stand trial in the US. Prosecutors allege that Maduro’s regime engaged in deep collaboration with criminal networks, including Mexican cartels and Colombian armed groups.
American legal and constitutional experts have raised questions about the legality of the military operation, given that Congress was not fully briefed prior to action. Trump aides argue that notifying lawmakers could have jeopardised operational security.
Global diplomatic backlash:
The United Nations called for calm and respect for international norms following the raid. Several Latin American governments and global institutions warned that the intervention could set a “dangerous precedent” for sovereign nations’ rights, while others remained cautiously supportive of removing an authoritarian leader accused of corruption and human rights abuses.
Regionally, the potential for increased instability looms large. Venezuela’s strategic oil reserves and its geopolitical ties to Cuba, Russia and China add layers of complexity. Some analysts already compare the episode to past US interventions in Panama and Central America, cautioning that military force rarely delivers long-term peace and prosperity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The unfolding events in Venezuela represent one of the most dramatic and consequential interventions in recent history. While accountability for serious crimes – including drug-related violence and corruption – remains an important goal, the means by which justice is pursued must adhere to international law and respect for sovereignty.
A military raid that brings down a sitting head of state, even one widely criticised for authoritarianism, raises urgent questions about who decides justice and how it is applied.
Force should never be the default tool of diplomacy. Sustainable peace and freedom thrive not under occupancy but through dialogue, transparency and inclusive political solutions that empower people rather than deepen divisions.
As the world watches Venezuela’s transition unfold, the international community must prioritise negotiated peace, humane governance and the rule of law – not just the swift removal of an unpopular leader.
