The United States has carried out a major military operation in Venezuela, launching airstrikes near the capital Caracas and detaining President Nicolás Maduro.
The operation took place early on Saturday, 3 January. It was named Operation Absolute Resolve. US aircraft hit several military targets, including Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s main military base, and La Carlota airbase. Explosions were reported around 2 a.m. local time, and some areas of Caracas experienced power cuts.
US officials said Special Forces captured Mr Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a secured compound. They were flown out of Venezuela and taken to the United States. Mr Maduro is now being held at a federal detention centre in Brooklyn, New York.
He is expected to face charges in a New York court, including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and weapons-related offences. These charges are linked to a long-standing US indictment.
President Donald Trump confirmed the operation in a public statement. He said the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela while a new political transition is arranged. Mr Trump described the action as a law enforcement mission supported by the military, aimed at breaking drug networks linked to the Venezuelan government.
Mr Trump also said US oil companies would help develop Venezuela’s vast oil reserves to rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mission as a major success.
Venezuelan authorities said at least 40 people were killed, including military personnel and civilians. The United States said no US troops were killed, although two were injured. Airspace restrictions disrupted flights across parts of the Caribbean.
The operation followed months of rising tensions in 2025, including US strikes on suspected drug vessels, an increased naval presence, and expanded intelligence operations near Venezuela.
Many countries strongly criticised the action. China said it was “deeply shocked” and condemned the use of force. Russia called it armed aggression and demanded Mr Maduro’s release. Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Cuba also issued strong condemnations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed” and warned that the move could set a dangerous international precedent. Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador described the action as a kidnapping and a violation of national sovereignty.
Some Venezuelans living in the United States welcomed the news. Several allies of Mr Trump said the operation delivered justice against a corrupt government.
In the United States, political reaction was deeply divided. Many Democrats said the operation was illegal and lacked Congressional approval. Republicans and Trump allies defended it as necessary for national security and counter-narcotics efforts.
Protests against the US action were reported in American cities and in countries including France and India.
Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has taken over as interim leader and demanded the immediate return of Mr Maduro. There is no sign of a large US ground force, but President Trump said further action remains possible.
The situation remains tense, with concerns about further escalation.
