Source: Source: wikipedia.org

Photo Credit: The Chorchapu. Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=181181010

The U.S. military operation began after tensions between Venezuela and the United States escalated.[10] It was preceded by an operation. «The Southern Spear» Under the leadership of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), aimed at using a hybrid fleet of vessels equipped with robotics and autonomous weapons to detect and counter alleged drug trafficking in Latin America, primarily in Venezuela through networks. «The Sunshine Cartel. . . . .». . . .

As part of the operation, the United States began airstrikes on ships in the Caribbean that they claimed were carrying drugs and were under Venezuelan protection. The United States also began building up naval forces in the southern Caribbean, including the direction of the USS Iwo Jima landing ship, as well as the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, which began intercepting and capturing oil tankers, effectively imposing a naval blockade on Venezuela.[11][12]

The Trump administration has accused Venezuela of using natural resource revenues to fund drug-related crimes.[13][14] This statement was rejected by Maduro, who counteraccused the United States of using «The War on Drugs» as a pretext for attempting to overthrow it and assign oil reserves.[13]

In addition, at the end of December 2025, the United States launched a stage of covert operations in Venezuela under the CIA directive. Earlier, Trump said that the American armed forces will begin to strike at facilities in Venezuela.[15][16]

On January 3, explosions broke out in Venezuela.[11][17] At about 2:00 in Caracas, at least 7 explosions occurred and low-flying aircraft were seen.[17][18][19] The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has released NOTAM, which prohibits American aircraft from flying at all altitudes in Venezuelan airspace.[20] Electricity blackouts were reported in southern Caracas.[21]

According to media reports and eyewitness accounts, at least 11 objects were hit, including:

• Military complex «Fort Tiuna's the»where the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff are located.[22]

• The Air Base «Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda» (also known as La Carlot Air Base)[23][19]

• La Carlota Military Airport[22]

• Ports, including La Guaira[19]

• Island of Margarita — The largest resort and military center in the Caribbean.

• Residence of the Minister of Defense of Venezuela Vladimir Padrino Lopez [19].

• The mausoleum of Hugo Chavez in Cuartel de la Montagna[19].

• The historic center of Caracas and the Parliament building.[19]

A possible death of the Minister of Defense was reported.[19]

As a result of the attacks in the area of Fort Tiuna, power outages occurred[19]. In the sky over Caracas were seen aircraft and helicopters with the American landing, on the streets appeared Venezuelan armored vehicles.[19] Venezuela’s airspace was completely closed to civil aviation.[19]

Representatives of the Trump administration confirmed awareness of the situation. CBS News reported that Trump ordered strikes on Venezuelan territory, including military facilities.[24]

There was no official declaration of war or operation by Trump.[19] However, according to CBS News, citing US officials, it was Trump who ordered strikes on facilities inside Venezuela, including the military.[22][19] Fox News, citing sources in the White House, said the administration had officially confirmed that the U.S. was striking Venezuela in a military operation.[25]

Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, representing U.S. interests in Venezuela after the closure of the embassy in Caracas in 2019, issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens, which urged not to visit Venezuela, but those in the country. — «Take refuge in place.» And immediately leave the country when it becomes safe.[26]

On the morning of January 3, Trump said that the United States «They successfully carried out a large-scale strike on Venezuela and its leader, and Maduro and his wife were captured and evacuated from the country.»[6][7] Rodriguez confirmed the couple were missing and demanded «Evidence that they are alive»[27].

First Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said that Maduro «He will face justice.»[28].

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Federal District Court of the Southern District of New York against Nichols Maduro and his wife were charged with involvement in the drug trafficking.[8][1][9]

CBS News reported that the seizure of Maduro was carried out by the detachment «The Delta»[29] It's [29].

According to the statements of the American authorities, during the operation with fire from the ground was damaged one helicopter, several soldiers were injured. A senior Venezuelan official told The New York Times that the operation killed at least 40 Venezuelan soldiers and civilians.[2]

In the afternoon of January 3, US President Donald Trump gave a detailed press conference in which he revealed the details of the operation, its goals and plans for the future.[30]

• The course of the operation: Trump stated that the main purpose of the operation in the center of Caracas was to capture Nicolos Maduro. The operation was carried out with the use of military power on land, sea and air. Trump called it unprecedented since World War II. He claimed that the United States managed to completely paralyze the Venezuelan army, disable all its military capabilities without loss of life and equipment. The capture of Maduro, who tried to escape into the bunker, according to Trump, was carried out by the Delta special forces in 47 seconds. Trump added that in a conversation with Maduro, he personally urged him to give up.

• Maduro's legal status and future: Trump has confirmed that Nicolas Maduro and his wife are on board an American ship heading to New York. They will face an American court on charges of drug trafficking and cartel leadership «Cártel de los Soles.». . . . Trump said that «Maduro's power is over, he's no longer president». . . .

• Venezuela's Future: Trump Says U.S. Will Govern Venezuela Until It Is Ensured «Safe, appropriate and reasonable transition period». . . . He did not rule out the possibility of temporary deployment of American troops in the country. According to him, the United States is ready to «A much larger attack»But I hope it won't be necessary. He announced major investments by U.S. oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure, and demanded compensation from Venezuela for those companies. A unilateral embargo on Venezuelan oil exports and a naval blockade remain in place.

• International Aspects and Warnings: Trump has said the operation is a warning to anyone who threatens American sovereignty and that the United States intends to regain its undeniable dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In particular, he repeated the warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Trump also noted that he did not discuss Venezuela with Russian President Vladimir Putin and does not expect complications in relations with Moscow due to this operation.

• Contact with the Venezuelan authorities: According to Trump, Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and promised to comply with US instructions.

The Venezuelan government described the incident as an act «Serious military aggression» from the United States[22] Maduro signed a decree on the introduction of a state of emergency in the country «to protect the rights of the population, the full functioning of republican institutions and the immediate transition to armed struggle»[22][19] Venezuela's Foreign Ministry, led by Ivan Hil Pinto, said the attack was aimed at seizing the country's strategic resources, primarily oil and minerals, and forcibly undermining its political sovereignty.[22][31][32] Padrino Lopez also posted an address to the nation on his Telegram channel at 5:14 a.m. Karakasy time (UTC-4:00), calling on the population to resist.[33] In addition, the government called on all public and political forces of the country to resist. «The imperialist attack»[13] [English]

The Venezuelan authorities announced their intention to appeal to the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General with a demand to condemn the actions of the United States and bring Washington to justice.[22] It was stated that the country, referring to Article 51 of the UN Charter, reserves the right to legitimate self-defense.[19]

After Trump’s statements about the seizure of Maduro and his wife, Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez said on state television that she expects evidence of their survival.

She stressed that such statements by the United States require official confirmation.[34]

On January 4, 2026, the Supreme Court of Venezuela appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president.[35]

Analysts and experts point to the inconsistency of US actions during the operation with the norms of the UN Charter, including articles on the prohibition of the use of force without the sanction of the Security Council and the right to self-defense. Mark Weller, a professor of international law at the University of Cambridge, said U.S. actions could be seen as a violation of international law, such as [36]:

• use of armed force against a sovereign state without the sanction of the UN Security Council. (Article 2(4) of the UN Charter);

• There is no reason for self-defense unless there is an armed attack on the United States by Venezuela. (Article 51 of the UN Charter);

• violation of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the state, including an unconfirmed attempt to export the current head of state;

• violation of the sovereignty of the state;

• Actions falling under the definition of an act of aggression in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution No. 3114 of 14 December 1974 because they were not backed by a legal basis and affected Venezuela's sovereignty.

• Argentina. . . . President Javier Miley on social network X approved the seizure of Maduro, saying that «Freedom is coming»[37].

• Germany, GermanyThe German Foreign Ministry said it was following the situation with great concern.[38]

• Iran, IranIran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning the US attack on Venezuela, calling it «blatant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country»[39] It's [39].

• Spain, Spain: Spanish Foreign Ministry calls for «de-escalation and restraint»as well as compliance «International law and principles of the UN Charter», adding that it «We are ready to offer our good offices to achieve a peaceful solution through negotiations.». . . . The ministry reiterated that it does not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Venezuela in 2024, and said that Spain «He has accepted and will continue to host tens of thousands of Venezuelans who have been forced to leave their country for political reasons.»[38].

• Colombia.. . . . President Gustavo Petro was the first foreign leader to say that «Venezuela attacked»and that Caracas was subjected to a missile attack.[19] He called for immediate emergency meetings of the UN Security Council and the Organization of American States.[22][19]

• Cuba and CubaCuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned «U.S. criminal attack» Venezuela and called on the international community to immediately condemn what it called «State terrorism against the brave Venezuelan people and against our America»[40].

• Russia, RussiaRussian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it «Act of armed aggression». . . . Russia urged to prevent further escalation and find a way out of the situation through dialogue, reaffirming its solidarity with the Venezuelan people and supporting the statement of the Venezuelan authorities about the urgent convening of the UN Security Council meeting.[41]

• EU Head of Diplomacy Kai Callas She noted Maduro's illegitimacy as president, but called for restraint.[42]

1. 1. Live Updates: U.S. Captures Venezuelan Leader, Trump Says. The New York Times. 2026-01-03. Date of circulation: 2026-01-03.

2. 2. 2. Inside 'Operation Absolute Resolve', The U.S. Effort to Capture Maduro The New York Times. 2026-01-04. Date of circulation: 2026-01-04.

3. 3. Haworth, Jon; Kekatos, Mary; Pereira, Ivan. Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman said action was Operation Absolute Resolve. ABC News (January 3, 2026) Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

That's 4. The Pentagon has revealed the name of the operation in Venezuela. RIA Novosti (3 January 2026).

It's 5 years old. A series of explosions occurred in the Venezuelan capital. Commersant (3 January 2026).

6. It's the same. US President Donald Trump issued a statement that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were detained and left the country. RBC (3 January 2026).

It's not like 7. U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Trump says Maduro captured and flown out of the country. Washington D.C.: CBS News. January 3, 2026.

It's the 8th. Bergengruen, Vera. Maduro Faces Federal Drug-Trafficking Charges in U.S. The Wall Street Journal (3 January 2026) Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

That's 9:00. Indictment. Justice.gov (3 January 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

It's 10:00 a.m. Multiple explosions heard in Venezuela capital Caracas amid tensions with US. Hindustan Times. 2026-01-03.

It's 11:00 a.m. Withrow, Emma. Fact Check Team: Exploring the roots of US-Venezuela conflict. KATV (December 31, 2025). Date of circulation: 2 January 2026.

12, that's all. Harrison, Chase. Tracking Trump and Latin America: Security-Trump Blockades Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil. Americas Society (December 17, 2025). Date of circulation: 2 January 2026.

It's 13 years old. Trump announced the US operation in Venezuela. According to him, Nicolas Maduro «captured and removed from the country». . . . BBC News Russian Service (January 3, 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

14, and that's it. Reuters: The White House ordered the U.S. Armed Forces to keep a blockade on Venezuelan oil. Commersant (25 December 2025). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

15 years ago. Sérvulo González, Jesús. Trump escalates conflict with Venezuela with the start of covert operations. El País (December 30, 2025). Date of circulation: 2 January 2026.

It's 16 years old. Cancryn, Adam. Trump says strikes on targets inside Venezuela to start «It's not like that.». . . . CNN (2 January 2026). Date of circulation: 2 January 2026.

It's 17 years old. There were explosions in Caracas. According to CBS News, Trump ordered strikes on Venezuela. Meduza, that's it. Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

It's 18 years old. At least 7 explosions and low-flying aircraft are heard in Venezuela's Caracas. AP News (January 3, 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

It's 19 years old. The attack on Venezuela: the authorities accused the United States of military aggression against the country. The main thing. Commersant (3 January 2026).

20. @flightradar24 (2026-01-03). Amid reports of explosions around Caracas, the US FAA issued a new NOTAM prohibiting US aircraft from operating at all altitudes within Venezuelan airspace as of 0600Z today, 3 Jan. Flightradar24 is not currently tracking any aircraft over Venezuela. Date of circulation: 2026-01-03 — It's on Twitter.

21, that's all. Explosions heard in Venezuela capital, power outage in town — The report. The Jerusalem Post. 2026-01-03. Date of circulation: 2026-01-03.

22, that's all. Venezuela announced the beginning of military aggression of the United States. RBC (3 January 2026).

23, of course. Trump ordered an attack on Venezuela. There are explosions in Caracas. Newspaper.Ru (3 January 2026).

24 years ago. Explosions heard as smoke rises in Venezuelan capital Caracas. BBC News. 2026-01-03. Date of circulation: 2026-01-03.

25 years ago. The White House confirmed US strikes on Venezuela, media reported. RIA Novosti (3 January 2026).

It's 26 years old. January 3, 2026: Do Not Travel to Venezuela; Shelter In Place. U.S. Embassy in Venezuela (via U.S. Embassy in Colombia) (3 January 2026).

It's 27 years old. Venezuela latest: Trump says US has 'captured' President Maduro in strikes on country — The Last (English) BBC News (January 3, 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

28, of course. U.S. Deputy Secretary says Maduro «He will face justice.». . . . TASS (3 January 2026).

29, that's all. Jacobs, Jennifer (2026-01-03). Maduro captured by Army's Delta Force, sources say.CBS News. Date of circulation: 2026-01-03.

30 years ago. «In 47 seconds, the US was able to clean everything.»Trump spoke about the operation to capture Maduro. Commersant (3 January 2026).

31, of course. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry explained why the United States began a ground operation in the country. URA.RU (3 January 2026).

That's 32. The Venezuelan Foreign Minister revealed the cause of the US attack. Lenta.ru( January 3, 2026).

33, of course. ¡Pueblo heroico de Venezuela! ¡Soldados de la Patria! ¡Hijos e Hijas de Bolívar! Telegram (3 January 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

That's 34. The world in brief, The Economist, 3.01.2026

That's 35. According to Reuters (January 3, 2026). The reaction of the world to the US strikes on Venezuela. Reuters. {{cite news}}: |author = has a universal name (reference)

That's 36. Argentine President Miley welcomed the US operation in Venezuela and the seizure of Maduro. Russian newspaper (3 January 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

37, that's all. Sedghi, Amy (3 January 2026). Venezuelan President Maduro captured and flown out of country following 'large scale' US attack, Trump says - live. the Guardian. 0261-3077. Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

38, that's all. Iran Condemns U.S. Attack on Venezuela. WANA (January 3, 2026) Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

39, he's here. Walsh, Joe; LaPorta, James; Jacobs, Jennifer; Reals, Tucker. U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Trump says Maduro captured and flown out of the country. CBS News (January 3, 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

It's 40 years old. Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry in connection with the armed aggression of the United States against Venezuela. Telegram / Foreign Ministry of Russia (3 January 2026). Date of circulation: January 3, 2026.

41, of course. The world in brief, The Economist, 3.01.2026