What Happened in Venezuela: US Strikes and Capture of President Maduro

U.S. Forces Capture Maduro in Caracas Strike

On January 3, 2026, the world woke to a seismic shift in global politics.² United States special operations forces successfully executed Operation Absolute Resolve.³ This high-stakes mission resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.⁴ Elite Delta Force teams led the ground assault under the cover of a massive aerial bombardment.⁵ President Trump confirmed the capture via Truth Social, sharing a historic image of the deposed leader on board a U.S. warship.⁶+4

The Military Operation: A 30-Minute Blitz

The assault began at 2:00 a.m. VET and lasted only thirty minutes.⁷ U.S. forces targeted seven key military sites across Caracas. These included the Fort Tiuna military complex and the Miraflores Palace.⁸ The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) provided critical air support.⁹ Despite a “fortress-like” defense, U.S. teams breached the compound before Maduro could reach a reinforced secure room.¹⁰ Officials quickly moved the captives by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean.¹¹+3

Legal Charges: The New York Indictment

Maduro now faces a major legal battle in the Southern District of New York. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a multi-count indictment shortly after the capture.¹² The charges include narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons violations.¹³ U.S. officials allege Maduro led the “Cartel of the Suns” for over a decade.¹⁴ He remains in federal custody as the U.S. prepares for a trial that mirrors the 1990 prosecution of Manuel Noriega.+2

Global Impact: Oil and International Unrest

The removal of the Maduro regime has triggered immediate global consequences.

• Oil Markets: Brent crude prices surged to $65 per barrel. President Trump stated the U.S. will be “very strongly involved” in the Venezuelan oil industry to ensure a proper transition.
• Diplomatic Outcry: Russia and China issued stern condemnations, calling the raid a violation of sovereignty.¹⁵
• UN Crisis: The United Nations Security Council has called for an emergency session to discuss regional stability.
• Domestic Split: Republicans praised the “bold leadership,” while some Democrats criticized the lack of Congressional approval.¹⁶

The Road Ahead: Transition and Uncertainty

While the U.S. has “captured” the leadership, Venezuela’s future remains a puzzle. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded “proof of life” while the military remains on high alert.¹⁷ The Trump administration insists the U.S. will “run the country” on a temporary basis until a “judicious transition” is possible.¹⁸ For many Venezuelans, the sight of empty streets and blacked-out cities in Caracas is a stark sign of a new, uncertain era.+1

Operation Absolute Resolve: Strategic Summary

Live Update: Reports indicate that opposition leader María Corina Machado is preparing a public address.¹⁹ Meanwhile, the U.S. FAA has banned all commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.²⁰+1