President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025 vowing to serve as a "Peace President" and emphasizing an end to prolonged foreign conflicts through decisive diplomacy, has overseen a dramatic military operation in Venezuela. On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted what Trump described as a "large-scale strike" in Caracas and surrounding areas, resulting in the reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The pair were allegedly flown out of the country, with Trump announcing the action via social media and crediting special operations units, including Delta Force, for the success.

The strikes targeted military sites such as Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota Airport, amid reports of explosions, low-flying aircraft, power outages, and smoke across the capital. Venezuelan officials have condemned the operation as an illegal aggression and demanded proof of life for the leaders, while the U.S. has framed it as part of a counter-narcotics effort against alleged ties to drug trafficking networks like the Cartel de los Soles.

The intervention marks a sharp escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, building on months of prior actions, including airstrikes on suspected drug vessels, a blockade of oil tankers, and the designation of related entities as terrorist organizations. Trump has positioned the move as bringing accountability for narco-terrorism and election irregularities, with Maduro facing longstanding U.S. indictments.

Regional responses have been swift and varied: Colombia deployed border forces anticipating refugees, while allies like Russia, Cuba, and Iran denounced the action. The operation echoes historical U.S. involvement in Latin America, where direct military actions—such as the 1989 invasion of Panama to remove Manuel Noriega—have aimed to address perceived threats to American interests, often involving accusations of drug trafficking or authoritarianism.

This event occurs against the backdrop of Trump's broader foreign policy narrative in 2025-2026, which highlighted efforts to broker ceasefires and peace agreements in multiple global hotspots, earning him recognitions like the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Critics, however, point to the contrast between such diplomatic claims and the use of force in Venezuela, noting that U.S. history in the region includes numerous interventions—over 40 documented cases of regime influence or change since the late 19th century—frequently justified by security, economic, or anti-communist (and later anti-narcotics) rationales. The Venezuela action revives debates over sovereignty, international law, and the risks of unilateral military steps in Latin America.

Also Read: South Korea Prepares Evacuation Plans for Citizens in Venezuela After US Action

As details emerge, Trump has scheduled a news conference at Mar-a-Lago to elaborate, while Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA reports normal operations despite the strikes. The full impact on Venezuela's political landscape, potential casualties, and regional stability remains uncertain, with international observers calling for de-escalation and dialogue amid heightened global scrutiny of U.S. actions in the hemisphere.

Also Read: Digvijaya Singh Holds Indore Mayor Responsible for Water Contamination Deaths