In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States military launched a major operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. The strike resulted in the capture of the country's president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, who were subsequently transported to New York.
Operation Details and Immediate Aftermath
President Donald Trump announced that American forces would temporarily assume control of Venezuela to facilitate what he termed a safe and orderly political transition. He provided no specific timeline for this process. Speaking from Florida, Trump stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would help oversee the transition and did not dismiss the possibility of further military action.
According to US media reports citing a senior Venezuelan official, the military strikes killed at least 40 people, including both civilians and soldiers. The Venezuelan government stated that targets in at least four states, both civilian and military, were hit.
General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that US forces remain at a heightened state of readiness following the operation. President Trump also outlined economic measures, stating the US would maintain a presence linked to Venezuela's oil sector, authorize American energy companies to invest in its infrastructure, and keep an embargo on Venezuelan oil in place.
Venezuela's Response and Leadership Crisis
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez immediately condemned the US action. In a televised address, she asserted that Maduro remains the nation's only legitimate president and demanded his unconditional release. She called on citizens to remain calm but resolute in defending national sovereignty, declaring that Venezuela would never become a colony of another power.
Later on Saturday, Venezuela's Supreme Court issued an order for Rodríguez to assume the role of acting president following Maduro's capture. Confusion surrounded her whereabouts, with Russian officials denying reports she was in Moscow and Venezuelan state media insisting she remained inside the country.
Mounting International Condemnation
The global reaction to the US military intervention has been one of significant alarm. A spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he stressed the imperative of full respect for international law and the UN Charter.
As international concern grows, protests against the US operation were organized in several American cities, including Washington, New York, and Chicago. The move has set a precarious precedent, drawing sharp criticism from various nations and raising questions about the future of sovereignty and intervention in the Americas.
