The geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere has shifted overnight. On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a massive military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and extraction of President Nicolás Maduro. This unprecedented move has sparked global debate, economic uncertainty, and a massive surge in search interest.
The Latest Updates: Operation Absolute Resolve
In the early hours of Saturday, the U.S. military executed Operation Absolute Resolve, a series of coordinated airstrikes and a ground raid targeting key military and government installations in Caracas and northern Venezuela.
- The Capture: President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces (reportedly Delta Force) at their residence and transported via the USS Iwo Jima to New York.
- The Charges: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro faces multiple counts of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons charges in the Southern District of New York.
- Current Leadership: Back in Caracas, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been named acting president by the Supreme Court. She has denounced the capture as a “kidnapping” and called for national unity.
- Trump’s Vision: President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will effectively “run” Venezuela until a “proper transition” occurs, emphasizing a heavy involvement of U.S. companies in the Venezuelan oil sector.
Global Reaction & Impact
The world is sharply divided over the legality of the intervention:
- Condemnation: China, Russia, Mexico, and Brazil have strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
- Support: Nations like Israel and various opposition groups within the Venezuelan diaspora have welcomed the move as the end of a “dictatorship.”
- Economic Pulse: While oil markets are bracing for volatility, trade analysts (including India’s GTRI) suggest the immediate impact on global energy security may be contained due to years of existing sanctions.