In a stunning escalation that has fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere, U.S. military forces conducted a "large-scale strike" inside Venezuela early Saturday morning, successfully capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation, confirmed by President Donald Trump via Truth Social and subsequent live interviews, marks the most significant American military intervention in Latin America in decades. As the dust settles in a shaken Caracas, the world is grappling with a new reality: the fall of the Chavismo stronghold and the beginning of an uncertain U.S.-led transition.
1. Pre-Dawn Blitz: The Delta Force Operation
The assault began at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time when residents of Caracas were awakened by the roar of low-flying aircraft and a series of at least seven major explosions. According to U.S. officials and reports confirmed by CBS News, the operation was executed by the elite Delta Force—the same unit responsible for high-profile missions such as the 2019 elimination of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
President Trump described the capture as a "surgical" and "powerful" operation. Maduro was reportedly taken from a residence described by the President as a "fortress" equipped with steel doors and a specialized safety room. "He got bum-rushed so fast that he didn't [reach the safe room]," Trump told Fox News, noting that while some U.S. service members suffered non-life-threatening injuries, there were no American fatalities.
2. From Caracas to New York: Facing "The Wrath of Justice"
Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were whisked away via helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship stationed in the Caribbean. They are currently being transported to New York to face criminal charges.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife will be tried in the Southern District of New York on charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking. The indictment, which dates back to 2020, alleges a long-term collaboration with the Colombian guerrilla group FARC to flood the United States with narcotics. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi stated in a social media post.
3. "We're Going to Run the Country": The Trump Doctrine
In the vacuum left by the collapse of the Maduro administration, President Trump has made a bold claim regarding the future of Venezuela. "We'll be involved in it very much," he said, suggesting that the United States will "run" the country on a temporary basis to ensure a safe transition and prevent a rival power from seizing control.
This assertive stance extends to the nation’s vast natural resources. The President reiterated that the U.S. will be "very strongly involved" in the Venezuelan oil industry, framing the move as both a matter of regional security and the reclamation of "stolen" American assets.
4. A World Divided: Global Reaction
The international response was immediate and sharply divided. While Venezuelans in cities like Lima and Miami were seen celebrating in the streets, Maduro’s traditional allies—Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba—issued swift condemnations. The Kremlin labeled the strike an "act of armed aggression," while Brazil's President Lula da Silva called it a "serious affront" to sovereignty.
Within the United States, the operation has sparked intense debate. While some members of Congress praised the bravery of the special operators, others expressed concern over the lack of prior Congressional notification and the potential for long-term military entanglement under the War Powers Act.
The New Chapter for South America
As the USS Iwo Jima sails toward New York, the focus shifts to the streets of Caracas, which remain under a state of emergency. With the primary leadership removed, the question remains: Can the United States successfully oversee the reconstruction of a shattered nation, or has it just opened a Pandora's box of regional instability?
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This report is an independent analysis based on live updates and official statements from January 3-4, 2026. Follow our blog for verified developments on the transition in Venezuela.