U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: The Capture of Nicolás Maduro

On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted Operation Absolute Resolve, a military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation involved over 150 aircraft targeting military facilities in Caracas, La Guaira, and Miranda, effectively neutralizing Venezuela's air defense systems, which were reportedly non-operational at the time. This military action has raised significant legal and geopolitical questions regarding U.S. intervention in Venezuela.

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The Trump administration's legal rationale for the operation was outlined in a memo from the Office of Legal Counsel, which stated that President Trump had the constitutional authority to deploy military forces without congressional approval. Critics argue that this action violated international law, as it contravened the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against another sovereign state without consent or a self-defense rationale. Legal experts have pointed out that the operation set a concerning precedent for international norms regarding sovereignty.

The GuardianNew York TimesThe Conversation

The operation has elicited mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. While some U.S. lawmakers, particularly within Trump's base, have expressed support for the military action, others, including five Republican senators, have sought to limit the president's military authority in Venezuela. A recent poll indicated that a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump's military interventions abroad, reflecting a broader skepticism about U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.

The Patriot-News

Internationally, the operation has drawn condemnation from several Latin American countries, including Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, which issued a joint statement rejecting the unilateral military actions. Conversely, leaders from more right-leaning governments, such as Argentina and El Salvador, have expressed support for the U.S. intervention.

Visuals of Venezuela’s Maduro being captured by US forces are fake

Following Maduro's capture, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, with backing from key military figures. The Trump administration has outlined a three-phase plan for Venezuela, focusing on stabilizing the country, revitalizing its oil sector, and eventually transitioning to a more democratic governance structure. However, the effectiveness of this plan remains uncertain, especially given the entrenched power of Maduro's loyalists and the potential for civil unrest.

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Reports indicate that the operation resulted in significant casualties, with estimates suggesting that at least 74 Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers were killed, primarily from Maduro's security detail. The U.S. military has faced scrutiny over its civilian harm mitigation efforts, as watchdog groups have reported difficulties in tracking civilian casualties resulting from the strikes.

The Intercept

The U.S. military operation in Venezuela marks a significant escalation in American foreign policy, reflecting a shift towards unilateral interventionism under the Trump administration. As the situation evolves, the implications for both Venezuelan citizens and regional stability remain uncertain. The effectiveness of U.S. oversight and the potential for further military actions will depend on the responses from both the Venezuelan government and the international community.

Five professors discuss implications of U.S. intervention in Venezuela