U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Captures Maduro: Escalation of Tensions

In a significant escalation of military action, the United States conducted a large-scale operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026. This operation resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, leading to a new chapter in U.S.-Venezuelan relations. Following the strikes, former President Donald Trump announced via social media that U.S. forces had executed the operation in coordination with U.S. law enforcement, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela.

Explosions erupted in Caracas and other regions, indicating the rapid escalation of a military campaign previously focused on targeting drug-trafficking routes. The operation was characterized by air and naval strikes, which included significant activity in the Caribbean Sea. Trump’s post around 04:30 ET heralded the operation as a successful strike against Maduro, with video footage from the ground confirming explosions and smoke near military installations.

Venezuela’s acting Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez responded vehemently on state media, demanding “proof of life” for Maduro and his wife, whose whereabouts remained unverified by Venezuelan authorities. Local reports described streets in Caracas largely devoid of civilians, power outages, and mixed reactions from residents. Rodríguez called for the public to defend the nation, stating, “Nicolás Maduro’s instructions have been given. Let us go out to defend our homeland.”

Background of Military Tensions

This operation is the culmination of months of increased military and law enforcement pressure from the U.S. on Venezuela. Since August 2025, the U.S. has authorized military force against Latin American drug cartels, deploying warships and thousands of troops to the region. This marked one of the largest military presences in the Caribbean since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

The initiative, termed Operation Southern Spear, involved air and naval strikes against vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. It culminated in the first land strike in Venezuela in December 2025, targeting narcotics loading operations at a dock facility.

Questions regarding the legality of these actions have arisen, particularly whether Congress was consulted before the extensive use of military force, as mandated by the War Powers Resolution. Critics of the Trump administration have expressed concerns about the implications of this military engagement.

International Reactions

Venezuela’s official response has been one of defiance. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the U.S. operation as “the most criminal military aggression” and accused Washington of attempting to instigate regime change to seize control of Venezuela’s natural resources. The Venezuelan government has called on its citizens to resist what it labels “imperialist aggression” and to mobilize in defense of the country.

Internationally, allies such as Cuba and Iran have condemned the U.S. action, expressing concern over the destabilizing potential of direct military intervention in Latin America. Regional governments, including Colombia, have urged the Organization of American States and the United Nations to convene emergency sessions to address the escalating tensions.

The unfolding situation raises critical questions about the future of Venezuela and the potential for a broader conflict. Analysts warn that the capture of Maduro, if confirmed, could prompt violent reactions from loyalist militias and elements within the Venezuelan armed forces. Venezuela has previously stated it would defend its sovereignty against foreign attacks, potentially mobilizing large reserve militias organized under the Bolivarian Militia program.

As the situation develops, the possibility of a Venezuelan counter-response or asymmetric resistance will be key indicators of whether this military strike marks the beginning of a prolonged conflict. What has transpired may just be the initial act in a far more complex narrative concerning U.S.-Venezuelan relations and the dynamics of regional power.