Detailed Report — January 3, 2026
By Nuestra América Magazine News Desk
In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the United
States launched a large-scale military operation inside Venezuelan
territory — the most significant U.S. military action in Latin America in
decades. The operation culminated in the reported capture of Venezuelan
President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their removal from
the country, according to U.S. officials. WTTW Chicago+1
What Happened — The Night of the Strikes
Shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time, multiple explosions
and low-flying aircraft were reported over neighborhoods in Caracas and
surrounding areas, including La Carlota Air Base and the Fuerte
Tiuna military complex — strategic military installations in Venezuela’s
capital. The blasts sent waves of panic through the city, with residents
reporting tremors and flashes of light across the skyline. Wikipedia
President Donald Trump announced that U.S. military
forces had successfully conducted strikes and captured President Maduro and
his wife, transporting them out of Venezuela, in what he described as a “large-scale
strike” and “successful operation.” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
later said the pair would face criminal charges in U.S. courts,
including alleged narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. WTTW Chicago
The strikes reportedly lasted about 30 minutes,
targeting military bases, airfields, communication infrastructure, and
suspected strategic sites used by the Venezuelan state. Wikipedia
Venezuelan Government Response
The Venezuelan government denounced the U.S. operation as an
“imperialist attack” and an illegal act of aggression. Officials
condemned the strikes, asserting that civilian areas were targeted and that the
country’s sovereignty had been violated. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez
demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife and called on Venezuelans
to remain calm but vigilant. Univision
Venezuela also requested an urgent meeting of the U.N.
Security Council to address what it described as an unwarranted foreign
intervention. Univision
Civilian Impact and Public Reaction
While specific casualty numbers remain unconfirmed,
Venezuelan authorities reported civilian deaths and injuries,
underscoring concerns about the humanitarian toll of the strikes. Shots of
Caracas at dawn showed power outages, military patrols, and citizens
attempting to continue daily life amid heightened security. elDiario.es
Crowds gathered outside supermarkets and critical
infrastructure as the city grappled with disrupted services, while others
attempted to flee or seek safety. elDiario.es
International Reaction
The reaction on the world stage has been intense and
polarized:
- Latin
American leaders such as Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da
Silva strongly condemned the U.S. action, calling it a breach of
sovereignty and urging decisive United Nations action. Reuters
- Colombia
deployed armed forces to its border to prepare for potential refugee flows
and also criticized the U.S. strikes as a violation of sovereignty. The Guardian
- Russia
and Cuba have also condemned the intervention, framing it as an act of
aggression. Univision
- Some
leaders, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei, praised the
action as a partial victory against authoritarianism, reflecting deep
geopolitical divisions. The Guardian
European nations have called for restraint, respect for
international law, and diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation. The Guardian
Background — What Led to the Conflict
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela had been
escalating throughout 2025. The Trump administration had deployed a
significant military presence in the Caribbean, conducted maritime and
aerial strikes against vessels it accused of enabling drug trafficking, and
designated Venezuelan groups like the “Cartel de los Soles” as terrorist
organizations. Wikipedia
By late December, U.S. operations had blurred the lines
between counter-narcotics activities and more direct pressure on the Maduro
government. This buildup set the stage for the early January strikes that
escalated into a dramatic international crisis. Encyclopedia Britannica
Legal and Political Ramifications
In the United States, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle
have raised questions about the legality of the operation under the War
Powers Act and the U.S. Constitution, as Congress was not formally
consulted before the strikes. Chatham House
International law experts also debate whether the
intervention qualifies as a lawful act of self-defense or an illegal use of
force under the United Nations Charter. Venezuela’s call to the U.N.
Security Council reflects mounting global concern over the precedent it sets. Univision
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