On January 3, 2026, the U.S. launched 'Operation Absolute Resolve' to capture the president of what South American nation?

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a significant military endeavor known as 'Operation Absolute Resolve' with the explicit goal of apprehending the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. This large-scale operation involved U.S. special forces and law enforcement officials, targeting Maduro's compound in Caracas and other infrastructure across northern Venezuela. The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, justified the action as a law-enforcement measure, citing charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

The operation was the culmination of a prolonged period of escalating tensions and a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuela, which included a military buildup in the Caribbean and U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Prior to 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' the U.S. had offered substantial rewards for Maduro's arrest for violating U.S. narcotics laws, framing him as the head of a narco-terror organization. This intervention was part of a broader military and surveillance campaign, "Operation Southern Spear," aimed at disrupting transnational criminal networks.

During the early morning hours of January 3, 2026, U.S. forces executed a precise and complex assault involving over 150 aircraft and extensive coordination. Explosions were reported across northern Venezuela as air defenses were suppressed, allowing apprehension teams to attack Maduro's compound. Following their capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to New York City to face trial. In the aftermath, Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the interim president.

The dramatic intervention sparked considerable international discussion regarding its legality and implications for international relations. While the U.S. asserted inherent constitutional authority for the action, Venezuelan officials denounced the capture as a "kidnapping." The operation also revealed the presence of Cuban military and intelligence personnel in Venezuela, with casualties reported on both the Venezuelan and Cuban sides during the intense raid.