News Desk ,January 4, 2026:In a stunning escalation of geopolitical tensions, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026, during a large-scale military strike codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve. President Donald Trump announced the success of the raid, stating that the couple was flown out of Venezuela and transferred to New York to face long-standing narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges.
The operation involved airstrikes on key Venezuelan targets, including military installations in Caracas, followed by a special forces extraction. Maduro, indicted in 2020 on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation, was taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima before arriving in US custody. Trump emphasized that the US will temporarily “run” Venezuela to facilitate a transition, while major American oil companies are expected to invest billions to revive the country’s vast but underdeveloped oil infrastructure.
Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves—over 303 billion barrels—primarily in the Orinoco Belt. Analysts point to energy security and countering influence from Russia, China, and Iran as key drivers behind the intervention, beyond the official justifications of national security, drug trafficking, and migration concerns.
Global Reactions and Market Impact
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez declared herself interim leader and vowed resistance.
- Russia and China condemned the action as a violation of sovereignty.
- Oil prices remained stable, dipping slightly to around $57 per barrel, buoyed by US production.
Critics, including former Vice President Kamala Harris and Senator Bernie Sanders, accused the move of prioritizing “Big Oil” interests over domestic priorities.
The situation remains fluid, with Maduro expected to appear in court soon. This marks the most direct US intervention in Latin America in decades, raising questions about long-term stability and international law.
