What Is Happening In Venezuela? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Venezuela is going through an unprecedented political and military crisis after the United States launched a sudden operation that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
In the early hours of January 3, 2026, US special forces carried out a high-risk overnight mission in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital.
According to US officials, power was cut in parts of the city and air strikes were carried out on key military locations to create cover for the operation.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken from their compound and flown out of the country, first to a US warship and later to New York, where they are now being held in a federal detention centre.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation publicly, saying the United States would oversee Venezuela until there is what he called a “proper and safe transition of power.”
He also warned that the US could carry out another attack if needed. Trump claimed that no American troops were killed during the mission and said the operation was aimed at restoring stability and protecting US interests.
However, Venezuelan authorities have accused the US of killing soldiers and civilians during the strikes, though no official casualty numbers have been released so far.
Maduro and his wife have been charged in the United States with serious crimes, including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and illegal weapons possession. ‘
US officials allege that Maduro was involved in smuggling cocaine into the US and supporting criminal networks.
Maduro has always denied these accusations, insisting that Washington is using the war on drugs as an excuse to remove him from power and gain access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, the largest proven reserves in the world.
Inside Venezuela, power has not fully shifted.
The country’s Supreme Court quickly sworn in Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president.
She has said that Maduro remains Venezuela’s legitimate leader and has demanded his release.
Despite Trump’s statements, Maduro’s political allies still control most state institutions and the military, creating confusion over who truly governs the country at the moment.
Trump has also made it clear that oil is central to the US plan.
He said American oil companies would move into Venezuela to repair damaged infrastructure and restart production, claiming the wealth would benefit both Venezuelans and the US.
US Strikes Venezuela, Maduro Captured & Taken To New York: What We Know So Far
The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected this, accusing the US of trying to seize the country’s natural resources and destroy its political independence.
The international reaction has been sharp and divided.
Countries such as Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, Brazil and Colombia have condemned the US action as a violation of international law and national sovereignty.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern, while some Western leaders have said they do not support Maduro but also oppose military intervention. A few US allies in the region have welcomed the move, calling it a step toward freedom.
What happens next remains uncertain. Venezuela now faces political instability, economic pressure, and the risk of further conflict.
