In a dramatic series of events that have reverberated across the Americas and around the world, the United States conducted a major military operation in Venezuela.In the early hours of January 3, 2026, culminating in the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The assault — involving air strikes and special operations forces — represents an extraordinary escalation in U.S.–Venezuela tensions and has sparked global debate over legality, regional stability, and the future of Venezuelan governance.
The stated objective was to neutralize Venezuelan air defenses and apprehend President Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a regime engaged in drug trafficking and other criminal activity.
U.S. forces reportedly launched air strikes on several key military facilities in and around the capital, Caracas, including significant sites such as Fuerte Tiuna military complex and La Carlota airbase. These facilities are among Venezuela’s most important defense installations.
According to official statements, the operation involved coordinated strikes by fighter jets and support aircraft to suppress air defenses, followed by insertion of U.S. special operations units — including elite elements such as the U.S. Army’s Delta Force and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
Shortly after the capture was reported, U.S. Attorney General **Pam Bondi announced that both Maduro and Cilia Flores had been indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
According to Bondi and subsequent official statements, the charges against Maduro include multiple serious federal offenses, such as:
Narco‑terrorism conspiracy
Cocaine importation conspiracy
Possession of machine guns and destructive devices
Conspiracy to possess such weapons against the United States
Bondi characterized Maduro as a key figure in international narcotics trafficking and vowed that he would “face the full wrath of American justice” in U.S. courts.
She also acknowledged the complexity of the operation and praised U.S. military and law enforcement coordination.
As of the latest official information, specific details on the charges against Cilia Flores have not yet been fully disclosed, though she was included in the indictment — meaning prosecutors are pursuing legal action against both individuals.