The Military Operation In the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States launched a massive military operation against Venezuela. At approximately 2:00 AM local time, residents in Caracas reported at least seven major explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft.
According to reports, the strikes targeted several high-profile military and government sites, including:
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Fuerte Tiuna: Venezuela’s primary military complex.
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La Carlota Airbase: Which was reportedly disabled during the bombing.
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Miraflores Presidential Palace: Attacked during the initial wave.
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The Federal Legislative Palace and various other military installations across the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
The Capture of Nicolás Maduro President Donald Trump confirmed via Truth Social that the operation was a success, stating that President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured and “flown out of the country.”
While the Venezuelan government, represented by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has not officially confirmed the capture, they admitted to losing contact with Maduro and have demanded “proof of life.” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Flores have already been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy.
Context and Motivations The escalation follows months of tension and a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, spearheaded by the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group. The Trump administration has cited two primary justifications for the intervention:
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Counter-Narcotics: Trump has accused Maduro of leading the “Tren de Aragua” gang and facilitating drug smuggling into the U.S., though Al Jazeera notes that U.S. intelligence agencies had previously found little evidence to support these specific claims.
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Energy Interests: Recent statements from White House advisors, including Stephen Miller, have emphasized the importance of Venezuela’s oil reserves—the largest in the world—suggesting that the U.S. intends to secure the industry.
Legal and International Fallout The operation is being compared to the historical captures of Manuel Noriega and Saddam Hussein, though those occurred during declared wars.
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Domestic Legality: Some U.S. lawmakers have questioned the lack of Congressional notification for such a significant “kinetic action.”
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Global Response: Russia and Cuba have condemned the strikes as “illegal aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty. Neighboring Colombia expressed concern over the stability of the region, despite its own opposition to the Maduro regime.
What Happens Next? A formal press conference is scheduled at Mar-a-Lago for 11:00 AM today to provide further details. In Venezuela, the political future is uncertain; while Delcy Rodríguez is constitutionally next in line, it remains unclear if the “Chavismo” movement can maintain control without Maduro’s presence.
