~ The US will run Venezuela until a judicious transfer.~
USA:--- In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, which involved U.S. special forces and the FBI, targeted key locations in Caracas, including military installations and government sites, leaving the city shaken by explosions and low-flying aircraft.
The Operation.
The strike, described by Trump as a "brilliant operation," was executed with precision and speed. U.S. Army Delta Force operatives, supported by helicopters and advanced air assets, infiltrated Caracas under the cover of darkness. Maduro and Flores were reportedly taken from their residence and transported out of the country aboard a U.S. Navy vessel. The couple is now en route to New York, where they will face charges in federal court, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons possession.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictments, stating, "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil." The charges stem from years of alleged criminal activity, including Maduro's leadership of the Cartel de los Soles, a group accused of facilitating drug trafficking into the United States.
Impact on Caracas
The operation left a visible mark on Venezuela's capital. Explosions rocked key sites, including the La Carlota airbase and Fort Tiuna, the country's largest military complex. Videos and images from the scene showed burning vehicles, damaged infrastructure, and plumes of smoke rising over the city. Residents reported being awakened by loud detonations and the sight of helicopters overhead. Many streets remained eerily quiet in the aftermath, as citizens stayed indoors, uncertain of what would come next.
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the attack, calling it "the greatest outrage the country has suffered." He vowed to resist any foreign military presence, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez decried the loss of civilian and military lives, demanding proof of life for Maduro and Flores.
International Reactions
The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Supporters, including U.S. allies in Florida, praised the move as a decisive step toward ending Maduro's regime. Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez likened the event to "the Fall of the Berlin Wall." At the same time, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need to stop drug trafficking and recover stolen oil assets.
However, critics have raised concerns about the legality and implications of the strike. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Jim Himes, questioned the lack of Congressional approval and the absence of a clear post-operation strategy. Internationally, Russia and Iran condemned the attack as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, while European leaders called for de-escalation and adherence to international law.
What’s Next for Venezuela?
The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. The country's constitution requires Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume leadership and call for elections within 30 days. However, the opposition, led by exiled politician Edmundo González and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, sees this as an opportunity for a democratic transition. Machado, who has been preparing for an "orderly and peaceful" transition of power, could play a pivotal role in shaping Venezuela's future.
Meanwhile, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to justify its actions and outline a plan for stabilizing the region. Trump defended the operation as a necessary measure to combat narco-terrorism, stating, "This was about justice and protecting American lives."
A Turning Point in U.S.-Venezuela Relations
The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with potential ripple effects across Latin America. As the world watches, the operation underscores the Trump administration's willingness to take bold, unilateral action on the global stage, raising questions about the balance between justice, diplomacy, and the rule of law.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the recent capture of Venezuela’s President and First Lady, Member of Parliament Lacroes has issued an urgent statement highlighting the potential national security and humanitarian challenges facing the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories. The geopolitical instability stemming from this development has raised concerns about the safety of Venezuelan nationals residing in the region and the strategic risks to territories such as Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the BES islands.
VENEZUELA/ PHILIPSBURG:--- In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by US forces during a large-scale military operation early Saturday morning. The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump, involved airstrikes across Caracas and surrounding regions, leaving the Venezuelan capital reeling from explosions and widespread power outages.
Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is closely monitoring the evolving regional airspace situation in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.
