On Saturday, January 2-3, 2026, the United States launched a military operation, dubbed 'Absolute Resolve,' against Venezuela. U.S. Special Operations forces, including Delta Force, captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a fortified compound in Caracas. The operation involved over 150 aircraft and targeted military sites in the capital.

President Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country and transported to New York, where a sweeping indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York charges them with narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated they would face justice in American courts.

In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump stated the United States would 'run' Venezuela until a 'safe, proper and judicious transition' could be made. He announced that U.S. oil companies would invest billions to repair Venezuela's oil infrastructure and that a team including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth would manage the country. Trump dismissed opposition leader María Corina Machado as lacking sufficient support.

The U.S. operation triggered a State of Internal Commotion in Venezuela. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump claimed had been sworn in as interim leader and was cooperating, appeared on state television to denounce the 'illegal kidnapping,' demand Maduro's release, and affirm he is Venezuela's only president. Key regime figures, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, appeared alongside her.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed airspace restrictions over Venezuela and parts of the Caribbean, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations by major airlines. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated restrictions would be lifted when appropriate.

International reaction was divided. China strongly condemned the attack as a violation of international law and sovereignty. Cuba's president condemned the intervention. Colombia announced it would deploy 30,000 soldiers along its border with Venezuela. Celebrations erupted among Venezuelan diaspora communities in Florida and across Latin America.

Divergence: A major narrative discrepancy exists regarding the post-capture political leadership in Venezuela. President Trump claimed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez had been sworn in as interim leader and was cooperating with U.S. demands. However, Rodríguez herself publicly denounced the operation, demanded Maduro's release, and insisted he remained the only president. Sources also diverge on the U.S. rationale, with some framing it as a law enforcement action based on indictments and others emphasizing oil interests and regional dominance.

Information Gaps: Critical information is missing regarding the number of Venezuelan military or civilian casualties from the U.S. strikes. The specific legal authority cited by the Trump administration for the invasion and capture beyond the indictments is unclear. The concrete, detailed plan for how the U.S. intends to 'run' Venezuela, including the duration, scope of military presence, and political roadmap for transition, is not provided. The status and reactions of other key Maduro regime figures beyond the vice president are not fully detailed.

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