US Special Forces Capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Controversial Operation
On January 3, 2026, US special forces conducted an overnight operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The operation caused electricity outages in parts of Caracas. Maduro was apprehended in or near one of his safe houses.
The United States government stated it would oversee Venezuela until a safe, proper, and judicious transition could take place. Former President Donald Trump described the mission as an assault like nothing seen since World War II.
The action faced strong condemnation from Democrats on Capitol Hill and many global leaders, who characterized it as a violation of Venezuela's right to self-determination and a dangerous example of US imperialism comparable to the 2003 Iraq invasion. France, Russia, China, and the European Commission also denounced the US move, stating that Trump breached international rules.
US oil companies have reportedly refrained from commenting on Trump's claim that they would invest billions to rebuild Venezuela's oil industry.
The Guardian published an explainer analyzing the legal justifications for the attack after consulting international law experts. Additionally, Julian Borger wrote an analysis indicating that the event signals a 'Putinization' of US foreign policy in Venezuela.
