U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: Arrests Sitting President and Brings Him to America

U.S. Launches Shock Military Operation in Venezuela as Trump Declares Temporary Control

By AHA Apex Wing News Desk
January 2026

In one of the most dramatic foreign policy moves in modern U.S. history, the United States launched a sudden military operation in Venezuela, leading to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and a controversial declaration by President Donald Trump that the U.S. will temporarily take charge of the country’s administration.

AI-generated illustration showing the White House at night with U.S. and Venezuelan flags, military jets, and helicopters, representing breaking news developments
Illustration | AI-generated image representing the White House and Venezuelan flags amid breaking news developments. Not an actual photograph.

The operation has sparked global debate, diplomatic backlash, and serious legal questions, while reshaping political dynamics across Latin America. 


What Exactly Happened: Timeline of the Event

Early Morning Military Action

In the early hours of January 3, 2026, explosions and military aircraft activity were reported in Caracas and nearby strategic locations. U.S. forces targeted key government and security installations, disabling air defense systems and communication networks.

Shortly afterward, U.S. special forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, reportedly without prolonged resistance.


Maduro Taken to the United States

Following the operation, U.S. officials confirmed that Maduro was flown to New York, where he is expected to face long-standing U.S. criminal charges, including:

  • Narco-terrorism

  • Drug trafficking

  • Corruption and money laundering

This marks the first time a sitting Latin American president has been forcibly removed and transported to the U.S. in such a manner.


Trump’s Statement Shocks the World

Hours after the operation, President Trump addressed the media and made the statement that dominated global headlines:

“We’re going to run the country until Venezuela is stabilized and properly transitioned.”

Trump described the move as temporary, stating the goal is to restore order, rebuild institutions, and organize a new political transition. However, no specific timeline or leadership framework was announced.


Oil, Economy, and Strategic Interests

Trump also highlighted Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, signaling that U.S. energy companies may assist in restarting production. Analysts believe the move could:

  • Impact global oil prices

  • Reduce U.S. dependence on Middle Eastern oil

  • Reshape energy alliances in the Western Hemisphere

Critics argue this raises concerns about economic motives behind the intervention.


Venezuela’s Internal Reaction

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez rejected U.S. claims and declared the action an illegal invasion, asserting that the country remains sovereign.

Meanwhile, protests, celebrations, and uncertainty have been reported across Venezuela, with citizens divided between hope for change and fear of instability.


International Response and Condemnation

Several countries, including Russia, China, Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico, condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of international law.

Human rights organizations and legal experts warned that direct governance of another nation could set a dangerous global precedent.


Political Divide Inside the United States

Within the U.S., the operation has deeply divided lawmakers:

  • Supporters praise Trump’s decisive action against an authoritarian regime

  • Opponents question the legality of the move without Congressional approval

Constitutional scholars warn that prolonged involvement could drag the U.S. into another long-term foreign conflict.


What Comes Next?

Key questions remain unanswered:

  • Who will govern Venezuela during the transition?

  • How long will U.S. involvement last?

  • Will new elections be organized?

  • Could this trigger regional instability?

As events continue to unfold, Venezuela’s future — and America’s role in shaping it — remains uncertain.


Final Words

This extraordinary development has redefined U.S.–Latin America relations and may alter global political norms. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this operation leads to stability or further turmoil.


📌 Primary News References

  1. CBS News — U.S. Strikes Venezuela and Captures Maduro
    Reports on the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and President Trump’s statement that the U.S. will temporarily “run” the country after capturing Nicolás Maduro. CBS News

  2. Reuters — Trump Says U.S. Will Run Venezuela After Maduro Captured
    Summarizes Trump’s remarks about governing Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can occur, including plans involving U.S. oil firms. Reuters

  3. The Guardian — Maduro Lands in New York After Capture
    Covers Maduro being taken to New York following his capture and Trump’s announcement of U.S. control. The Guardian

📌 International Reaction Sources

  1. Al Jazeera — World Reacts to U.S. Bombing of Venezuela
    Details international condemnation from countries like Iran and Russia over the U.S. military action and capture of Maduro. Al Jazeera

  2. Chatham House — Analysis of U.S. Operation and Regional Impacts
    Expert analysis on implications of the U.S. operation, regional effects, and strategic outcomes. Chatham House

📌 Additional Supporting Reports

  1. EFE News — Trump Says U.S. Will Run Venezuela Until Transition
    Provides comments from Trump and U.S. officials outlining the plan to run Venezuela with assistance from key U.S. leaders. EFE Noticias

  2. Pakistan Today — Trump Details Military Operation and Plans for Venezuela
    Reports on Trump’s description of the operation, his statement on running Venezuela, and related oil strategy. Pakistan Today

  3. LinkedIn — Historic U.S. Military Operation: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Captured and Flown to New York
    Professional analysis and report on the U.S. operation, Maduro’s capture, and its implications for international relations. LinkedIn

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