U.S. Launches Military Operation in Venezuela, Maduro Captured

The United States has launched a dramatic military operation in Venezuela, reportedly capturing President Nicolás Maduro and escalating months of mounting pressure between Washington and Caracas, according to statements from U.S. officials and international reports. President Donald Trump said the United States would remain involved in Venezuela’s governance following the operation, stating that Washington is “going to run” the country until what he described as a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can take place. The operation, which began in the early hours of Saturday morning, included air and naval strikes across Caracas and surrounding areas and resulted in the removal of Maduro and his wife from the country, according to U.S. authorities. What U.S. Officials Are Saying Shortly after the strikes, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that an unsealed federal indictment charges Maduro and his wife with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses. President Trump also said that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez had been sworn in as interim president. However, as of publication, Rodríguez had not appeared publicly, and it remains unclear whether a formal swearing-in occurred or whether she is currently in Venezuela. Reaction Inside and Outside Venezuela Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient María Corina Machado hailed the developments as historic, declaring that “the hour of freedom has arrived” and that Maduro would now face justice. Military Operation: What’s Been Reported According to reporting from our team, the U.S. operation involved a large-scale deployment of air and naval power. Reported Military Assets • Naval Forces: The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier was positioned as a central command asset. • Air Operations: Residents in Caracas reported multiple low-flying aircraft beginning around 1:50 a.m. local time. • Tactics: U.S. Air Force aircraft reportedly used rapid-strike methods similar to “shock and awe,” with some transponders disabled during flight. • Targets: Venezuelan military bases, command centers, and suspected drug-trafficking infrastructure. U.S. officials have not yet released final troop or aircraft numbers. Timeline: Key Events Leading to the January 2026 Operation August 2025 The U.S. began a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, increasing troop deployments and aircraft presence. November 2025 Reports surfaced indicating Washington was preparing a “new phase” of Venezuela-related operations. December 24, 2025 U.S. forces reportedly conducted a covert strike on a major Venezuelan drug facility. January 3, 2026 | 1:50 a.m. U.S. forces launched coordinated airstrikes across Caracas and other regions. January 3, 2026 | Nicolás Maduro was reportedly captured during the operation and flown out of the country. January 3, 2026 | Post-Strike President Trump publicly confirmed the capture, saying Maduro had “offered everything” but underestimated U.S. resolve. What Happens Next The White House says U.S. involvement will continue until a transitional framework is established, though details remain limited. Questions persist of how long American forces could remain engaged in Venezuelan affairs. As developments continue, VaruHub.com will provide verified updates as more information becomes available.