In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured and flown out of the country following a series of overnight attacks on January 2. The United States has claimed responsibility for the operation, citing terrorism and drug charges against Maduro. The US President, Donald Trump, has hinted at the possibility of Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado leading the country in the future.
The attacks have sparked a wave of uncertainty in Venezuela, with conflicting statements emerging from various sources. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez denounced the US operation as a violation of international law, asserting Maduro’s legitimacy as the country’s president. However, Trump’s claims of communication with Rodriguez have added another layer of complexity to the situation.
International reactions to the US operation have been mixed. While some Venezuelans celebrated in the streets, waving flags and expressing support for a potential change in leadership, several global leaders condemned the strikes. Officials from Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and Iran criticized the US attacks as acts of state terrorism and called for immediate action by the United Nations and regional bodies to prevent further escalation.
The capture of Maduro has raised concerns about the future of Venezuela and the region as a whole. The Washington Post highlighted the strategic gamble of the US operation, emphasizing the unpredictable outcome and the potential for a significant shift in the security dynamic across South America.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches closely to see how Venezuela’s political landscape will evolve in the aftermath of Maduro’s capture. The uncertainty surrounding the country’s leadership and the international response to the US operation underscore the complex challenges facing Venezuela and the broader Latin American region.
Political Bias Index: Neutral
References:
1. France 24 – [Venezuela: A sign of relief, but country’s future remains uncertain](https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260103-venezuela-a-sign-of-relief-but-country-s-future-remains-uncertain)
2. France 24 – [Venezuela: US ready ‘to run’ the country, ‘Maduro captured’](https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260103-venezuela-us-ready-to-run-the-country-maduro-captured)
3. France 24 – [Venezuelan VP Rodriguez’s speech contradicts Trump’s claims](https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260103-venezuelan-vp-rodriguez-s-speech-contradicts-trump-s-claims)
4. NBC News – [Cuban president condemns Maduro’s capture](https://www.nbcnews.com/video/shorts/cuban-president-condemns-maduro-s-capture-255345221601)
5. The Washington Post – [In Venezuela raid, the specter of U.S. regime change returns to Latin America](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/03/us-venezuela-regime-change/)
6. Internewscast Journal – [Venezuelan Leadership in Question: Trump Alleges Communication with Maduro’s Deputy](https://internewscast.com/local-news/venezuelan-leadership-in-question-trump-alleges-communication-with-maduros-deputy/)
7. Internewscast Journal – [Intense Gunfire and Drone Operations: The Trump Administration’s Commandos Capture Maduro](https://internewscast.com/news/intense-gunfire-and-drone-operations-the-trump-administrations-commandos-capture-maduro/)
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