US Attack on Venezuela: Maduro’s Capture and International Reactions
The events of January 3 2026 will go down as one of the most turbulent days in recent international politics. The United States launched a large‑scale military strike against Venezuela, hitting Caracas from the air and targeting other strategic sites. According to the U.S. government, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured together with his wife. Early reports from international agencies and media indicate that President Donald Trump announced the operation’s success, saying the Chavista leader had been “taken out of the country.”
An Unprecedented Attack
In the early hours of Saturday, residents of Caracas and surrounding areas reported explosions, illuminated skies and low‑flying aircraft over the capital, especially around military zones such as the Fuerte Tiuna complex and La Carlota Air Base.
Shortly after the first signs of military activity, President Donald Trump posted on X that U.S. forces had been deployed and that “Maduro and his wife have been captured and taken out of the country.” The operation, he said, was coordinated with U.S. special‑forces and security agencies.
U.S. outlets—including ABC News, CBS News, Reuters and others—were among the first to broadcast the story, noting that this represented the most direct military escalation between the United States and Venezuela since the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.
Months of Tension Between Washington and Caracas
The strike follows months of escalating friction between the two capitals. Prior to the assault, the United States intensified economic sanctions, oil blockades and naval actions against Venezuela’s exports, accusing Maduro’s government of drug trafficking and of undermining democracy in the region.
These measures were accompanied by increasingly harsh rhetoric from the White House and a bolstered U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and near‑Venezuelan waters.
The Conflict’s Context
The military offensive is part of an escalation that began in 2025, when Washington launched a campaign called “Operation Southern Spear” to pressure Maduro’s regime. The United States portrayed the Venezuelan administration as a hub of international narcotics trafficking and a direct threat to regional security.
Since August 2025, according to journalistic reconstructions and international monitoring data, the United States has redeployed assets to the Caribbean, conducted operations against vessels suspected of drug smuggling, and carried out selective strikes on Venezuelan territory.
U.S. officials framed these actions as a prolonged effort to dismantle drug‑trafficking networks and bring their leaders to justice. Among the indicted is Nicolás Maduro, charged in the Southern District of New York with narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation and possession of weapons against the United States.
“The charges could lead to a trial on U.S. soil,” the U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi told Televisión Española.
International Reactions
The news of Maduro’s capture and the U.S. strike sparked an immediate wave of diplomatic, political and social responses worldwide.
Spain: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “watching the events in Venezuela with great attention.” A crisis unit was activated to assist Spanish citizens in Caracas, and the embassy and consulate remained operational to protect the roughly 150,000 Spanish nationals living in the country, according to RTVE.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for a resolution “within the framework of international law” and called for moderation to avoid further escalation.
United States: In addition to President Trump’s statements, Senator Marco Rubio declared that, following Maduro’s capture, “no further attacks on Venezuelan territory are anticipated.” He warned that the Chavista leader will now face U.S. justice.
The administration described the operation as a strategic victory against narcotics and a measure to protect national and hemispheric security, while acknowledging that many operational details remain classified.
Reactions from Russia and Venezuela’s Regional Neighbours
Russia: Moscow issued a strong condemnation, labeling the U.S. strike an “unjustified military aggression” and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. Russian officials demanded clarification on Maduro’s whereabouts and called for international dialogue to prevent a wider escalation.
Colombia: President Gustavo Petro deployed forces to the border with Venezuela and denounced the attacks. He also requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, describing the incident as a U.S. aggression, as reported by The Guardian.
Cuba: Havana described the strike as a “crime against regional peace,” denouncing it as a breach of Venezuelan sovereignty and urging a coordinated international response.
These reactions underscore the geopolitical shockwaves generated by the unprecedented U.S. operation and the capture of Venezuela’s long‑standing leader.