Written by 
The United States military launched a surprise nighttime operation in Venezuela early Saturday, January 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, which included heavy airstrikes across the capital city of Caracas, marks the most significant direct U.S. intervention in the region in decades.
President Donald Trump announced the success of the mission on his social media platform, Truth Social, confirming that both Maduro and Flores had been “captured and flown out of the country.”
About two weeks ago, Marion Watch noticed that internet statistics indicated that a large majority of the US population believed that a major operation was coming soon.
The Military Operation
The attack began before dawn with what the U.S. government described as “large-scale strikes” targeting key military and government facilities. Residents of Caracas reported hearing at least seven distinct explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft.
Witnesses and local reports identified smoke rising from several strategic locations, including:
- La Carlota Airbase: A military airfield in the heart of the city.
- Fuerte Tiuna: The country’s main military complex, where senior officials, including Maduro, are known to reside.
- Cuartel de la Montaña: A military barracks and symbolic site for the ruling party.
According to U.S. officials speaking to major news outlets, the capture was executed by members of the Army’s elite Delta Force. The special operations unit reportedly seized the Venezuelan leader and his wife amid the chaos of the airstrikes and immediately transported them out of Venezuelan territory. President Trump praised the mission as a “brilliant operation” involving “great troops.”
U.S. Charges and Justification
The operation follows months of escalating warnings from Washington, which has accused the Maduro government of operating a “narco-state.” Following the capture, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores face severe criminal charges in the Southern District of New York.
The charges include:
- Narco-terrorism conspiracy
- Cocaine importation conspiracy
- Possession of machine guns and destructive devices
Attorney General Bondi stated that the couple would “soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly briefed lawmakers, confirming that Maduro was being brought to the U.S. to stand trial.
Chaos and Confusion in Venezuela
The Venezuelan government was left in a state of shock and uncertainty. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who is next in the line of succession, addressed the nation on state television stating that the government did not know the current whereabouts of the President or the First Lady. She demanded “immediate proof of life” from the U.S. government.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the attack as an act of “imperialist aggression” and the “worst aggression” in the country’s history. In a video statement, he ordered the full deployment of the armed forces and urged the Venezuelan people to form a “united front of resistance.” The government has declared a “state of external disturbance,” a type of national emergency that grants expanded powers to the military.
Despite the call to arms, reports from the ground suggest a mix of panic and confusion, with some sources indicating that troops at certain bases fled during the strikes.
Global Reactions
The international community has reacted with a mix of support and condemnation:
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that British forces were “not involved in any way” and emphasized the need to establish the facts before commenting further.
- Argentina: President Javier Milei, a close political ally of President Trump, celebrated the news with the slogan, “Long live freedom, dammit!”
- Russia and Iran: Both nations, strong allies of the Maduro government, strongly condemned the strikes as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
- Colombia: President Gustavo Petro expressed concern over potential instability and refugee flows. He ordered Colombian armed forces to the border and called for de-escalation.
President Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at 11:00 AM EST at his Mar-a-Lago resort to provide further details on the operation.
Works Cited (Click Here)
Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro captured after strikes – Reuters / Daily Maverick
Source for: Confirmation of the capture, Trump’s “Truth Social” statement, and details on the 1989 Panama comparison.
US strikes Venezuela: President Maduro captured by US Delta Force – Times of India
Source for: Specific identification of Delta Force involvement and details on the “large scale strike.”
Which US force captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife? – WION
Source for: Confirmation of Cilia Flores’ capture, “Operation Southern Spear” terminology, and specific locations like Fuerte Tiuna.
Live: Trump claims Venezuela’s Maduro ‘captured’ after US attacks – Al Jazeera
Source for: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “not involved in any way” statement and minute-by-minute updates on the airstrikes.
Maduro and his wife to face narco-terrorism charges in US, Attorney General Bondi says – Times of Israel
Source for: Attorney General Pam Bondi’s statement regarding the Southern District of New York charges and the “wrath of American justice” quote.
Venezuela’s Maduro, wife indicted on ‘narco-terrorism’ charges, says US attorney general – Anadolu Agency
Source for: Specific listing of charges including “cocaine importation conspiracy” and possession of destructive devices.
US hits Venezuela with ‘large-scale strike,’ captures Nicolás Maduro, Trump says – WUNC / NPR
Source for: Javier Milei’s reaction (“Long live freedom, dammit!”) and context on regional reactions.
Maduro’s Whereabouts Unknown After U.S. Strikes, Venezuela Demands Proof of Life – Kurdistan24
Source for: Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez’s video statement and the Venezuelan government’s demand for “proof of life.”
Colombia sends armed forces to Venezuela border amid concern over refugee ‘influx’ – The Guardian
Source for: President Gustavo Petro’s reaction, troop deployment to the border, and calls for UN intervention.