Latest News from Venezuela (as of January 4, 2026)
Latest News from Venezuela (as of January 4, 2026)
The most significant development in Venezuela is the dramatic U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces conducted a large-scale strike involving air, land, and sea operations, targeting military sites in Caracas and other regions, including the main military base Fuerte Tiuna. Explosions were reported across the capital and nearby states, leading to fires, power outages, and civilian disruptions.
Maduro and his wife were seized during the raid and flown to the United States, arriving in New York on January 3. They are currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, facing federal charges related to narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. Trump described the operation as a success and stated that the U.S. would temporarily "run" Venezuela until a "safe, proper, and judicious transition" occurs. He also mentioned plans to involve U.S. companies in revitalizing Venezuela's oil infrastructure, given the country's vast reserves, and emphasized getting "the oil flowing" again.
In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been sworn in as interim president by the Supreme Court. She has denounced the U.S. actions as "military aggression" and "kidnapping," vowing defiance and demanding Maduro's return. The government declared a state of emergency, deployed troops, and temporarily closed borders (e.g., with Brazil). Allies like Cuba, Russia, China, and others (including Malaysia and North Korea) condemned the intervention as a violation of sovereignty. The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm, and a Security Council meeting is scheduled.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado (2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner) welcomed Maduro's removal, calling it the "hour of freedom" and urging Edmundo González (whom the opposition claims won the 2024 election) to assume power. However, Trump dismissed Machado as lacking sufficient support or respect to lead, disappointing many in the opposition and diaspora communities, who celebrated in places like Miami, Madrid, and Doral, Florida.
Broader Context and Impacts
Venezuela has been in a prolonged crisis for years, marked by economic collapse (GDP contraction of ~80% since 2013), hyperinflation, shortages, and a massive migration exodus of over 7.9 million people—the largest in Latin American history. Maduro's rule was accused of authoritarianism, election fraud, and ties to drug trafficking. The U.S. action culminates months of escalating pressure, including sanctions and a military buildup.
Regional effects include flight cancellations across the Caribbean (e.g., in Puerto Rico, Aruba, Barbados) and concerns over potential new migration waves if instability persists. Neighboring countries like Colombia and Brazil are on alert.
The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty about Venezuela's governance, potential resistance from Maduro loyalists, and the U.S. role in any transition. International reactions are divided, with some praising the end of Maduro's regime and others warning of precedents for intervention.