What to know on the US strikes on Venezuela and Maduro's fall

January 3, 2026

TL;DR

U.S. special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in an overnight operation.
President Trump announced the capture and stated the U.S. would determine the next leader of Venezuela.
Maduro faces narco-terrorism charges in the U.S. and is expected to stand trial soon.
The U.S. military carried out strikes on Caracas, Venezuela's capital.
Venezuela's Vice President stated the government is unaware of Maduro's whereabouts.
The U.S. plans to become heavily involved in Venezuela's oil industry.
International reactions were mixed, with Russia and Mexico condemning the action, while Argentina praised it.
U.S. congressional lawmakers offered divided opinions, with some praising the operation and others questioning the lack of congressional authorization.
The operation involved the U.S. Army's Delta Force and FBI agents, with no U.S. fatalities reported.
Venezuelan communities in the U.S., particularly in Miami and Doral, celebrated the announcement.

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