US Military Operation in Venezuela: The Capture of Nicolás Maduro

US Military Operation in Venezuela

• 🌎 The United States military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, garnered global attention and extensive media coverage.
• 🚀 Named "Operación de Terminación absoluta," it was described as Washington's most ambitious military deployment in South America in decades.
• 🚨 The operation involved bombings in Caracas and other strategic points, causing tension and uncertainty.

Capture of Nicolás Maduro

• 🎯 The primary objective was the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, ending over a decade of his mandate.
• 🚁 The operation began with drones and fighter jets (F35, F22) bombing defense systems, followed by Delta Force entering Caracas in Chinook helicopters.
• ⏱️ Maduro and Flores were located in Fuerte Tiuna and captured within five minutes after neutralizing their security.

Transfer and Legal Proceedings

• ✈️ Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transferred via the USS UIMA and a technical stop in Guantánamo to New York City.
• ⚖️ They were processed by the DEA in Manhattan and detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
• 👨‍⚖️ Charges were read before Judge Alvin Hersley in the Southern District Court, with both declaring not guilty at their first hearing.

Legal Defense and International Response

• 🧑‍⚖️ Nicolás Maduro is represented by Barry Polac, a prominent litigator known for high-profile cases including Julian Assange.
• 👩‍⚖️ Cilia Flores' defense is handled by Mark Donnely, who has experience with the US Department of Justice and as a prosecutor in Texas.
• 🌍 The military action provoked international condemnation from organizations like the UN and CELAC, with calls for de-escalation.

Aftermath and New Leadership

• 🗓️ All these events transpired within 72 hours, with the world closely monitoring subsequent developments.
• 🤝 On January 5, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the interim president of the Republic, assuming power after the unprecedented military conflict.