By: International Desk | January 3, 2026 | 08:30 AM
CARACAS/WASHINGTON — In a historic and unprecedented turn for Latin American geopolitics, the United States launched a large-scale military offensive on Venezuelan soil early this morning. The operation, confirmed by both the White House and high-ranking Chavista officials, has resulted in the capture and extraction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.
“Operation Freedom” in the Early Hours
Events began at approximately 02:00 AM (local time) this Saturday, January 3. Residents of Caracas, La Guaira, and Aragua state reported multiple explosions and sightings of military aircraft flying at low altitudes.
Key strategic points impacted include:
- Fuerte Tiuna: The main military complex in Caracas, where power was cut and internal detonations were reported.
- Higuerote Airport: Allegedly used as a logistics point for extraction or neutralization.
- Caracas and Central Coast: Columns of smoke and fire were recorded in various zones of the capital and the coastal state of La Guaira.
According to Pentagon sources cited by U.S. media, special forces (allegedly Delta Force) executed a ground incursion simultaneous to the air strikes, successfully securing the “primary objective” in record time.
Official Confirmation: “Maduro Has Been Captured”
Early this morning, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House to confirm the mission’s success.
“Dictator Nicolás Maduro has been captured and is in United States custody. He and his wife have been transported out of the country. Justice has arrived,” declared Trump, who had returned to power in 2025 with a policy of “maximum pressure” on Venezuela.
The response from Caracas was swift. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, visibly shaken, confirmed the leader’s extraction via a national broadcast, labeling the event an “imperial kidnapping.” Rodríguez demanded “immediate proof of life” for Maduro and Flores and spoke of military casualties, though she did not provide specific figures.
Reaction from Chavismo: “State of Commotion”
The Venezuelan government has decreed a “State of External Commotion.” Immediate deployment of the Command for the Comprehensive Defense of the Nation has been ordered, and government supporters have been called to take to the streets to “defend the homeland.” The situation in Caracas is one of chaos and uncertainty, with spontaneous mobilizations and a heavy military presence on major avenues.
The International Stage Fractures
The international community has reacted quickly and with division regarding the offensive:
- Russia: The Kremlin strongly condemned the attack, calling it “armed aggression under unsustainable pretexts” and a flagrant violation of international law.
- China: The situation is tense, given that Beijing delegates had met with Maduro just hours before the attack to review cooperation agreements. A strong statement is expected in the coming hours.
- Latin America: The region is polarized. While the government of Javier Milei in Argentina celebrated the operation as a “triumph for freedom,” Mexico rejected any military intervention and asked the UN to take a leading role to stop the escalation. Spain and the European Union have made an urgent call for “de-escalation and moderation.”
Context: A Year of Tensions
This outcome is the culmination of months of escalation since Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025. Drug trafficking accusations, for which the U.S. offered a $15 million reward (raised to $50 million in recent reports), and the prior deployment of naval assets in the Caribbean, paved the way for this direct intervention.
The world watches closely: Venezuela wakes up today without its de facto leader of the last decade, with foreign forces having operated on its soil, and with a power vacuum that threatens to trigger a civil or regional conflict of unforeseeable consequences.
