In a stunning overnight operation, U.S. forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, spiriting them out of the country to face justice in the United States. This lightning military strike has left Venezuela reeling, with its political future now uncertain.
Explosions rocked Caracas early Saturday as low-flying aircraft targeted military infrastructure in an attack lasting less than 30 minutes. Venezuelan officials confirmed the capture took place at Maduro’s home within a military installation, though details on casualties remain unclear. This dramatic event follows months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration, including naval buildups and strikes against alleged drug-smuggling operations.
President Trump quickly announced that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily to manage a transition of power, hinting at plans for its vital oil industry. However, the situation on the ground is far from clear. While Trump claimed Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was ready to cooperate, Rodríguez publicly demanded Maduro’s release, calling him the rightful leader and condemning the U.S. action. Streets in Caracas showed mixed reactions, with some areas calm and others seeing armed militias.
Maduro now faces serious charges in the U.S., including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy, with allegations linking his government directly to powerful drug cartels. The swift operation, meticulously planned with intelligence, involved over 150 aircraft, though U.S. officials reported few injuries and no deaths.
The bold move has sparked diverse reactions, with some U.S. lawmakers supporting the president’s authority while others criticize it as an overreach into another nation’s affairs. What this means for Venezuela’s people and the wider region remains a developing story.
Source: https://www.times-standard.com/2026/01/03/venezuela-us-what-we-know/
