The United States and Venezuela: A Recap of the Military Strike and Maduro's Arrest

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - In early January 2026, the world was shaken by a large-scale military aggression launched by the United States against Venezuela.

This surprising operation, which took place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time, resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The US government justified its intervention by alleging narcoterrorism and human rights violations by the Maduro regime.

However, many viewed this action as a violation of the country's sovereignty and a dangerous precedent in international relations.

Venezuela declared a national emergency, while the international community was divided between condemnation and support for the US action, highlighting the complexity and sensitivity of the US-Venezuela issue on the global stage.

The United States carried out an extraordinary military operation aimed at toppling Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s regime overnight, President Donald Trump announced early Saturday morning. STORY: https://t.co/tfMN35l9qd pic.twitter.com/KdhTyMCK93

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 3, 2026

The United States military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, was codenamed "Operation Absolute Resolve" and also known as "Operation Southern Spear."

The attack began in the early hours of the morning, targeting several strategic locations in northern Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas.

The primary targets of the attack included vital military installations, communications infrastructure, and key government facilities.

La Carlota Air Base and the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in Caracas were the primary targets of this massive airstrike.

The attack method involved more than 150 aircraft in a series of coordinated airstrikes.

Additionally, US special forces, including Delta Force and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment ("Night Stalkers"), were deployed in the ground operation.

MH-60L Black Hawk and MH-47G Chinook Block II helicopters were also identified during the attack on Caracas.

The operation resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores at a safe house near the capital or from their residence at the military headquarters in Caracas.

Following their arrest, Maduro and Flores were immediately flown to New York and detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center, where US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced narco-terrorism charges against them, as reported by USA Today.

US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the military offensive against Venezuela, declaring the large-scale operation a success.

The US government justified the action as a law enforcement and national security measure, accusing the Maduro government of engaging in narco-terrorism and human rights violations.

Trump stated that the United States would temporarily "take control" of Venezuela, aiming to ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power.

Furthermore, the US also planned to involve American companies in Venezuela's oil industry, indicating significant economic interests behind this US-Venezuelan intervention.

The Trump administration did not notify Congress of this military operation in advance, a move that raised questions about the legality and transparency of the decision.

The US military attack on Venezuela resulted in significant casualties and damage.

Two US soldiers were reportedly injured, while on the Venezuelan side, the death toll reached 80, most of whom were members of President Maduro's security detail.

In response to the attack, the Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency on "Maduro's orders" and activated its defense system, raising its military alert level.

Venezuela accused the US of carrying out serious military aggression and called on its citizens to unite.

The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry planned to file a complaint with international organizations and request an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was ordered to serve as interim president.

International reactions were mixed.