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On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a dramatic U.S. military operation in Venezuela.
The operation resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to Reuters and the Associated Press, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale overnight operation, targeted military sites in Caracas, and extracted the couple before transporting them to the United States. Both face long-standing federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Trump described the operation—dubbed “Absolute Resolve”—as a resounding success, saying elite U.S. units, including Delta Force, carried out the mission with extensive air support to neutralize Venezuelan defenses and that Maduro captured during the operation. Reuters reported that U.S. planners spent months preparing the operation and deployed a large operational footprint. Trump said the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela to ensure a safe and orderly transition and added that American companies could play a role in revitalizing the country’s oil infrastructure. He also said oil revenues would reimburse U.S. expenses.
Trump’s Claimed Authority
Trump asserted broad executive authority as Commander in Chief to order the operation. He linked it to counter-narcotics efforts and national security threats. He cited months of escalating pressure, including earlier strikes on alleged drug-smuggling operations in the Caribbean. Administration officials defended the action as consistent with prior targeted operations carried out without advance congressional authorization. They said the administration notified Congress after the fact due to concerns about operational leaks.
Critics argue this stretches constitutional limits and violates international law. However, supporters view the move as decisive action against a regime indicted in U.S. courts since 2020.
Russia and China’s Strong Condemnations
Venezuela’s key allies reacted swiftly. Reuters reported that Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as armed aggression and a grave violation of sovereignty. They demanded Maduro’s immediate release. China said it was deeply shocked and accused the United States of hegemonic behavior that infringes on sovereignty and threatens regional stability. Both nations reaffirmed calls for non-interference and respect for international law.
Emergency UN Security Council Meeting
Following the operation, Venezuela—supported by Colombia, Russia, and China—requested an emergency UN Security Council session. The Security Council scheduled the meeting for January 5, 2026, in New York. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep alarm. He warned that the U.S. action could set a dangerous precedent under the UN Charter.
Likely Outcomes to The Maduro arrest
Given the United States’ veto power on the UN Security Council, any resolution formally condemning the operation or demanding Maduro’s release is unlikely to pass. Russia and China are expected to push for strongly worded resolutions and public condemnations. However, historical precedent suggests the most likely outcome will be non-binding statements. These will call for de-escalation, restraint, or renewed dialogue.
Beyond symbolic actions at the United Nations, the diplomatic response is likely to fragment across regional and multilateral bodies. Attention may shift toward organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS). Here, member states are divided on both Maduro’s legitimacy and the legality of U.S. intervention. Some regional governments may quietly support the removal of Maduro. However, they might publicly avoid endorsing the method used.
At the same time, legal and diplomatic efforts may focus on limiting escalation rather than reversing the outcome. International actors might prioritize preventing retaliatory action and securing diplomatic channels. They will also aim to stabilize Venezuela’s borders to avoid spillover effects across Latin America.
Ultimately, while formal international punishment of the United States appears unlikely, the episode will likely reshape norms around sovereignty, intervention, and the use of force—setting precedents that future administrations and foreign governments will closely examine.
Reaction Across the United States
Reaction across the United States has been sharply divided, breaking largely along ideological, constitutional, and generational lines.
Many conservatives praised the operation as long-overdue accountability for what they view as a criminal regime that operated with impunity for years. Americans living in border states and communities heavily affected by fentanyl trafficking and cartel violence tend to view Maduro’s capture less as foreign intervention and more as international law enforcement—an extension of the fight against transnational crime networks that directly impact U.S. communities.
At the same time, constitutional conservatives and libertarian-leaning Americans expressed unease. While largely unsympathetic to Maduro himself, they questioned the scope of executive authority used in the operation. They warned that bypassing Congress sets a precedent that could be abused by future administrations. For this group, the concern is not about defending Maduro, but about defending constitutional limits.
Progressives have overwhelmingly condemned the action as illegal regime change. They argue that it violates international law and risks destabilizing the region. Many warned that U.S. intervention could lead to prolonged entanglement, civilian harm, or retaliatory actions by hostile foreign powers.
Independent voters and politically unaffiliated Americans remain conflicted. Many welcomed the removal and accountability of a dictator but also raised concerns about escalation, unintended consequences, and whether the United States is prepared for the responsibilities that could follow such a dramatic intervention.
Venezuelan Public Reaction
Inside Venezuela, public reaction has been intense, emotional, and deeply divided. In some neighborhoods, citizens reportedly poured into the streets celebrating. They believe this marks the end of a corrupt and repressive era. For many Venezuelans who have endured years of food shortages, hyperinflation, blackouts, and political persecution, the news was received as a long-awaited turning point.
Others reacted with fear and uncertainty. Questions quickly emerged about potential retaliation by armed loyalists. Concerns arose about the stability of military and police leadership. There were worries about whether the removal of Maduro would trigger further violence or internal conflict. Many Venezuelans expressed concern that a power vacuum could lead to chaos rather than reform, especially after years of institutional decay.
State-aligned media outlets and Maduro loyalists framed the operation as an illegal abduction and an act of U.S. imperial aggression. They warned of foreign occupation and national humiliation. These narratives were echoed by regime supporters who argued that sovereignty had been violated. They insisted that Venezuela’s future should not be decided by external powers.
Among the Venezuelan diaspora, reactions were equally complex. Many exiles celebrated openly, viewing Maduro’s capture as long-overdue accountability. They believe his crimes destroyed their country and forced millions to flee. At the same time, others urged caution. They emphasized that justice must be transparent and lawful, and that Venezuela’s recovery will require more than the removal of one leader. For many, the central question remains whether this moment will lead to genuine self-determination—or simply another chapter in a long cycle of instability.
Key Takeaways About the Maduro arrest
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Reuters and AP report Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured and transported to the U.S.
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The operation triggered global condemnation and UN scrutiny.
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Legal and constitutional debates are intensifying in the U.S.
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Venezuela’s future remains uncertain despite Maduro’s removal.
This article is a guest commentary. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Cincinnati Exchange.
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