Photo: President Nicolás Maduro
By: Daniel Kanu
In an unprecedented military action early Saturday, 3rd January the United States launched large-scale airstrikes on strategic locations across Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a lightning operation that has shocked the region and ignited global debate.
According to U.S. officials, the assault — dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve — began just after 2 a.m. local time with coordinated strikes on military installations and transport hubs in and around the capital, Caracas. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over the city, and multiple military targets including air bases and defense facilities were hit.
Venezuelan authorities immediately described the action as a violation of national sovereignty.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured during the operation and flown out of Venezuela. Officials say the pair have been transported aboard a U.S. vessel and will be brought to New York, where they are expected to face federal criminal charges, including drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and weapons offences, according to the U.S. Attorney General.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that both will “soon face the full force of American justice” in U.S. courts, citing an indictment in the Southern District of New York that was originally filed in 2020.
President Trump called the mission “brilliant” and said it was intended to hold Maduro accountable for alleged international drug trafficking and other crimes while stabilizing the region. He also indicated that the U.S. would take on a temporary governance role in Venezuela and has hinted at the involvement of American companies in rebuilding key sectors, particularly oil production.
Trump’s remarks emphasize a continuation of months of U.S. pressure, including a previously announced bounty for Maduro’s capture and a series of maritime interdictions targeting Venezuelan oil tankers and alleged narcotics shipments.
Venezuelan government officials have condemned the strikes in the strongest terms, labeling them an “imperialist attack” and demanding immediate proof of life for Maduro and Flores from U.S. authorities. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López have urged Venezuelans to resist and defend national sovereignty.
Scenes of uncertainty and anger have spread across Venezuela, with state media showing heightened military presence in key urban centers.
Supporters of Maduro have taken to the streets in parts of Caracas to protest what they call a violent foreign intrusion.
