Key Takeaways
- The United States conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
- Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country, with the operation conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement authorities.
- The U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force unit was reportedly involved in the capture of Maduro.
- The operation was carried out to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Maduro would be brought to the United States to face criminal charges.
- The Venezuelan government has not confirmed the capture, but Maduro’s official Facebook page posted a video stating that attacks occurred in several states and that a national emergency has been declared.
Introduction to the Situation
The situation in Venezuela took a dramatic turn on January 3, 2026, when a series of explosions were reported in the capital city of Caracas. The explosions were followed by an announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States had conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. According to Trump, the operation was carried out in coordination with U.S. law enforcement authorities, and Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country.
The Operation and Its Aftermath
The operation was reportedly carried out by the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force unit, with CBS News reporting that the unit was involved in the capture of Maduro. The Pentagon declined to comment on the operation, referring questions to the White House. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Maduro would be brought to the United States to face criminal charges, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X that Maduro would "finally face justice for his crimes." The operation was carried out to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant, with Republican Senator Mike Lee stating that the action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.
Reaction from the Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government has not confirmed the capture of Maduro, but his official Facebook page posted a video stating that attacks occurred in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. The video also stated that the U.S. would not succeed in its goal of possessing Venezuela’s oil and minerals, and that Maduro had declared a national emergency and mobilized defense forces. The situation on the ground in Venezuela is unclear, with reports of explosions and attacks in several states. Colombian President Gustavo Petro posted on X that Caracas was under attack and urged an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
Background to the Situation
The situation in Venezuela has been tense for some time, with the U.S. and Venezuela’s opposition accusing Maduro of rigging an election last year to stay in power. Trump has also accused Maduro of running a "narco-state" and has repeatedly threatened action against him. On December 23, 2025, Trump said it would be "smart" for Maduro to leave power. The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on Venezuela, including a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuelan waters. The strategy to pressure Maduro comes as the U.S. and Venezuela’s opposition seek to bring about a change in government in the country.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The capture of Maduro marks a significant escalation in the situation in Venezuela, and it is unclear what the next steps will be. Trump has announced a news conference to discuss the operation, and the U.S. is likely to face scrutiny over the legality and legitimacy of the operation. The situation in Venezuela is complex and multifaceted, with a range of political, economic, and social factors at play. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further developments and updates in the coming days and weeks. The international community will be watching the situation closely, with many countries and organizations calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.