This was an extraordinary and shocking military operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. United States forces carried out a strike in the early hours of 3 January 2026 and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were flown out of Venezuela and taken to the United States to face federal charges, including drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, which they have denied.
President Trump said the operation was part of a campaign against drug trafficking and to bring stability to Venezuela. He also spoke about the importance of Venezuela’s oil industry and the future role of the United States in the country.
The action has drawn strong criticism from many countries. Several world leaders and legal experts have questioned how a sitting head of state could be removed without international approval. The United Nations has also faced questions about its limited role in stopping such actions.
In Venezuela, Vice-President Delcy RodrÃguez was sworn in as acting president and described the removal of Maduro as illegal. She has indicated that her government may be open to talks on the country’s future.
President Trump has also spoken about Greenland in recent months, linking it to US strategic and economic interests. These remarks have raised concern among Danish and Greenlandic leaders about sovereignty and international law.
The situation remains tense. Many countries fear that such actions could set a dangerous precedent and further weaken international rules meant to protect national sovereignty.
