On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted a military operation named "Operation Absolute Resolve," resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation involved U.S. forces infiltrating Maduro's residence in Caracas and was characterized by its speed and precision, lasting less than 30 minutes. U.S. intelligence had gathered extensive information about Maduro's routines over several months, including an informant within the Venezuelan government.

Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported by helicopter to a U.S. warship before being flown to New York City to face federal charges related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a transition of power could be established, indicating plans for American oil companies to enter the country for infrastructure repairs.

The military action drew immediate international condemnation from various leaders in Latin America and beyond. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the U.S. actions as violations of national sovereignty and labeled them an act of aggression aimed at seizing Venezuela's resources while asserting that Maduro remains the legitimate president.

Explosions were reported across Caracas during the operation, leading to civilian casualties as well as injuries among U.S. personnel; however, exact numbers are not yet available. In response to these events, protests erupted in multiple locations worldwide, including demonstrations outside U.S. embassies in Argentina and support rallies in Chile.

The situation has raised questions regarding its implications for U.S.-Venezuela relations and potential shifts in political dynamics within Venezuela itself amid ongoing accusations against Maduro's administration regarding drug trafficking operations linked to organized crime networks.

As reactions continue to unfold globally, concerns have been expressed among lawmakers about the legality of such military actions without congressional approval and potential precedents set for international relations involving sovereign nations.

Original Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (venezuela) (doral) (florida) (caracas) (chile) (argentina) (rome) (madrid) (greece) (germany)

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