In a dramatic escalation of US involvement in Latin America, the United States carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela on 3 January 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. More than 150 US aircraft were deployed to disable Venezuelan air defences before special forces secured Maduro. At least 40 people, including civilians and soldiers, were killed during the operation. Maduro and Flores were flown to New York, where they face prosecution on charges including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of destructive devices. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the couple would face “the full wrath of American justice on American soil.”
The capture followed months of escalating US pressure. Since September 2025, over 30 US airstrikes targeted vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific, killing more than 100 people.
Trump’s administration accused Maduro of supporting criminal organisations designated as terrorist groups, claiming responsibility for thousands of US deaths linked to illegal drugs a claim Maduro repeatedly denied.
Relations between the US and Venezuela have been strained since Hugo Chávez assumed the presidency in 1999, particularly due to his socialist ideology, alliances with Cuba and Iran, and opposition to US foreign policy. Maduro, who became president in 2013, has been widely condemned for authoritarian governance, a deteriorating human rights record, and undermining the rule of law.
US plans for Venezuela and oil infrastructure
Following the operation, President Donald Trump announced that the US would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could take place. He said that a group of US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, would oversee the interim administration.
Trump also revealed plans for major US oil companies to enter Venezuela to refurbish its degraded oil infrastructure, aiming to generate revenue from the country’s 303 billion barrels of crude, which account for roughly 20% of global reserves.
Trump suggested that US forces could remain in the country to ensure compliance, although Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reaffirmed that Maduro remains the legitimate president.
While Maduro and his wife were transported to the USS Iwo Jima and later flown to New York, Venezuelan authorities continue to operate the country’s government and military. Observers warn that the situation could create a power vacuum, with potential consequences for regional stability.
Legal implications of the operation
The legality of the operation has been widely questioned. While framed as a law enforcement mission targeting criminal activity, international law generally prohibits the use of force against a sovereign nation except in cases of self-defence or UN Security Council authorisation.
A criminal indictment alone does not justify the seizure of a foreign head of state. Domestically, the US Congress has the power to declare war, yet Congress was reportedly not notified prior to the operation.
Experts also noted that claiming the mission was both a law enforcement action and a prelude to long-term control of Venezuela is legally contradictory. Historical precedents, such as the 1989 Panama invasion to capture Manuel Noriega, are cited for comparison, but the circumstances differ significantly.
Legal experts predict the US may face limited accountability, given the lack of enforcement mechanisms in international law.
International reactions and aftermath
Global reactions were sharply divided. Countries including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Mexico, South Africa, and the African Union condemned the operation as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and international law, calling for restraint and the immediate release of Maduro and Flores.
China specifically demanded that the US “immediately release” Maduro and his wife. Latin American neighbours such as Brazil and Mexico also criticised the intervention, while some European governments, including the UK, France, and Germany, urged a peaceful transition.
Israel and Ukraine expressed support, framing the capture as beneficial for the Venezuelan people. Protests occurred in Greece against the US military action, and the UN warned of potential regional consequences.
Despite Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s government, military, and institutions continue to function. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the position of interim president and called for resistance against US interference. Observers emphasise that a peaceful, inclusive political dialogue is essential for Venezuela’s long-term stability, while the US maintains its intention to influence the country’s future administration and oversee its oil resources.
