CBS News
AP News
Reuters
TIME
The Guardian
Overview of What Happened
In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the United States carried out a large-scale military strike against Venezuela, targeting key military sites in and around the capital, Caracas. The operation, described by U.S. officials as Operation Absolute Resolve, involved airstrikes and special forces units. According to U.S. announcements and subsequent reporting:
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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces. CBS News+1
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The U.S. claims they were flown out of Venezuela and transported to the United States to face criminal charges. CBS News
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President Donald Trump announced the raid as successful and framed it as a mission to remove a “narco-trafficking” leader. AP News
This constitutes the most significant U.S. military action in Latin America in decades, far surpassing previous interventions in scale and consequence. Reuters
How the Operation Was Executed
Based on detailed reporting and open-source information:
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The strike began before dawn, with coordinated explosions and aircraft activity reported across Caracas and northern Venezuela. Wikipedia
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More than 150 U.S. military aircraft from the Air Force, Navy, and Marines supported ground and helicopter units, including elite special operations forces. Wikipedia
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Venezuelan counter-response was limited, with reports of military resistance in some areas but no large-scale engagement reported. Wikipedia
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According to Venezuelan officials, dozens of military personnel and civilians were killed. Wikipedia
Maduro and Flores were taken captive and moved first to a U.S. naval vessel (reported as the USS Iwo Jima) before being flown to New York, where they are in federal custody pending legal proceedings. Wikipedia+1
U.S. Government’s Justification
The Trump administration has justified the action on several grounds:
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Criminal Indictments: Maduro (and reportedly his wife) faced prior U.S. indictments — including on charges related to narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons offenses — largely unconnected to this military action when they were initially filed. Wikipedia
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Drug Trafficking and Threat: U.S. officials publicly described Maduro’s government as deeply involved in international drug trafficking that threatens U.S. security. Wikipedia
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National Security: The White House framed the operation as necessary to protect U.S. citizens and interests. AP News
President Trump also stated that the U.S. may temporarily administer Venezuelan governance and its oil industry during a transitional period. AP News
Immediate Aftermath in Venezuela
Leadership Gap and Internal Response:
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Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was declared the acting head of state under the Venezuelan constitution, though she rejected U.S. claims and insisted Maduro remains the legitimate president. Wikipedia
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Rodríguez condemned the U.S. operation and demanded proof of life for Maduro, asserting the attack was an illegal “kidnapping.” Wikipedia
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Venezuela declared a state of emergency, mobilizing its military and calling for popular resistance to the U.S. intervention. CBS News
Popular reaction inside Venezuela has been mixed and deeply polarized — some citizens protested the U.S. action, while others welcomed the removal of Maduro. CBS News
International Reaction
The strike and capture triggered widespread global condemnation and debate:
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United Nations: The legality of the operation is under scrutiny, with U.N. officials warning it sets a dangerous precedent and could violate international law due to lack of UN authorization or Venezuelan consent. Reuters
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Russia and China: Both governments have strongly condemned the U.S. assault as a violation of sovereignty and security. Reddit
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Latin American Nations: Leaders such as Brazil’s President Lula da Silva and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expressed deep concern about regional stability and the risk of escalation. Fox News
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U.S. Domestic Politics: Some U.S. political figures, including prominent Democrats, criticized the administration for acting without congressional approval and for potential destabilization. New York Post
Legal and Ethical Debate
Legal experts and international law scholars have raised serious questions:
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Sovereignty Violation: Under the U.N. Charter, unauthorized military action against another sovereign state is generally illegal — and no clear self-defense justification has been established. Reuters
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Head-of-State Immunity: Even in criminal cases, heads of state typically enjoy sovereign immunity; forcibly removing one without due legal process complicates established norms. Reuters
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Congressional Authority: Critics within the U.S. argue the President lacked explicit congressional authorization for such a military operation, raising constitutional issues. New York Post
Potential Regional and Global Impact
This operation may have far-reaching consequences:
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Regional Stability: Latin American governments are warning that the strike could destabilize the region and embolden other unilateral interventions. Fox News
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U.S.–Latin America Relations: Trust between the U.S. and many neighboring countries is likely to deteriorate, especially among nations with leftist governments. Fox News
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International Order: By breaching longstanding norms against regime change through military action, this could recalibrate how powerful countries engage with others — for better or worse. Reuters
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Oil and Economy: Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, and control of its energy resources is now a significant strategic issue — which U.S. officials have openly discussed. Reddit
What Comes Next?
In the United States:
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Maduro is expected to appear in a Manhattan federal court to face criminal charges. The Guardian
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Debate on Capitol Hill may intensify over presidential war powers and the legality of the operation.
In Venezuela:
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Political uncertainty remains, with Rodríguez’s interim leadership contested and possible resistance stirring. Wikipedia
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Reconstruction of governance structures and potential elections are likely to be urgent issues.
Internationally:
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The U.N. Security Council and other global bodies are discussing possible repercussions and calls for restraint. Reuters
In summary: Verified reports confirm that the U.S. military conducted a significant strike on Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are now in U.S. custody facing legal charges. The action has triggered major legal, political, and ethical controversies, reshaped regional geopolitics, and sparked debate over the future of U.S.–Latin America relations
