In a weekend that has fundamentally reshaped global geopolitics, the world woke up on January 3, 2026, to the news of a daring and unprecedented military operation. Operation Absolute Resolve, a covert mission authorized by the Trump administration, culminated in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, at their residence in Caracas.
As of today, January 4, 2026, the situation remains fluid, with Maduro currently in U.S. custody in New York. This article provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date look at the operation, the legal charges, and the global fallout.
The Midnight Raid: Inside “Operation Absolute Resolve”
The silence of Caracas was shattered at approximately 2:00 AM local time on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as more than 150 U.S. aircraft—including F-22 Raptors, F-35s, and B-1 bombers—launched a coordinated strike on key Venezuelan military installations. While the primary objective was the capture of Maduro, the mission began with precision strikes on air defenses, military hangars, and communication hubs to “blind” the Venezuelan response.
The Role of Delta Force
While the strikes provided a kinetic distraction, the “tip of the spear” was the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force. According to reports, special operators from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) utilized low-flying, stealth-enhanced helicopters to infiltrate the presidential compound.
The operation was not without resistance. Sources indicate that Venezuelan security forces engaged in a brief but intense firefight. Maduro reportedly attempted to reach a fortified safe room within his compound but was intercepted by Delta Force operators before he could secure himself.
“The operation was executed with surgical precision. It was the result of months of intelligence gathering and rehearsals,” stated a U.S. defense official.
Maduro in New York: Current Status and Charges
Following his capture, Maduro was flown out of Venezuela, initially transported to the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean, before being moved to the United States.
The Scene at the Tarmac
On the evening of January 3, 2026, images began circulating of a person believed to be Maduro descending the stairs of a U.S. government plane at a National Guard facility in New York. Surrounded by a phalanx of FBI agents and federal marshals, the ousted leader appeared dazed, wearing a gray Nike Tech sweatsuit and noise-canceling headphones.
Legal Indictment and Charges
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi unsealed a superseding indictment in the Southern District of New York. The charges against Maduro and his inner circle are severe:
- Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy: Alleging a decades-long partnership with armed groups to flood the U.S. with cocaine.
- Importation of Cocaine: Specifically linking the “Cartel of the Suns” to large-scale trafficking.
- Weaponry Charges: Possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
| Charge Category | Details | Potential Penalty |
| Narco-Terrorism | Conspiracy with the Cartel of the Suns | Life Imprisonment |
| Drug Trafficking | Importation of 500+ tons of cocaine | Mandatory Minimum 20 Years |
| Terrorist Support | Alleged links to the “Tren de Aragua” gang | Up to Life |
The Aftermath: A Nation in Limbo
The capture has left a massive power vacuum in Caracas. Delcy Rodríguez, the Vice President, has been named interim President by the Venezuelan Supreme Court, though her control over the military remains uncertain. In her first public address since the raid, she described the operation as “imperialist aggression” and demanded “proof of life” for the captured leader.
The “Oil” Factor
In a press conference from Mar-a-Lago, President Trump stated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela temporarily to ensure a stable transition. Crucially, he emphasized that the U.S. would “get the oil flowing” again, suggesting a heavy involvement of American companies in rebuilding Venezuela’s crumbling energy sector.
Global Reactions: Support and Outrage
The international community is sharply divided.
- Support: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the “bold and historic leadership” of the U.S. action.
- Condemnation: Russia and China have condemned the raid as a violation of international law and sovereignty.
- Domestic Criticism: Many in the U.S. Congress, including the Congressional Black Caucus and some Senate Democrats, have labeled the operation an “illegal abuse of power,” citing the lack of Congressional notification or authorization.
What Happens Next? Key Milestones to Watch
As we look toward the coming week, several critical events will determine the trajectory of this crisis:
- Arraignment: Maduro is expected to appear in a federal court in Brooklyn as early as Monday, January 5, 2025.
- Military Response: Will the Venezuelan military remain loyal to the remaining “Chavista” leadership, or will there be widespread defections?
- Oil Markets: How will global oil prices react to the prospect of U.S. control over Venezuelan reserves?
- Humanitarian Crisis: With a national state of emergency declared in Venezuela, the potential for a renewed migration surge is high.
