“Can anyone hear me?”

Venezuela Breakdown

1. Large-scale U.S. military strikes inside Venezuela:
_{Early on January 3, 2026, the U.S. military launched a series of attacks on Venezuelan military and strategic sites, including bases and airfields near Caracas and other locations. Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported.}

2. President Maduro and his wife were captured:
_{U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces during the operation and flown out of the country. Reports indicate they have arrived in the United States and are facing criminal charges related to long-standing drug-trafficking and narco-terrorism indictments.}

3. U.S. plans to temporarily administer Venezuela:
_{The U.S. government has publicly stated that it will “run” or administer Venezuela temporarily until a transition to a new government can occur. Trump framed this as necessary to restore stability and enable a transition process.}

4. Casualties and injuries:
_{U.S. military forces reportedly suffered non-fatal injuries during the operation. Venezuelan officials and some media report dozens of Venezuelans killed in the strikes, including military personnel and at least one civilian — though exact figures vary and are still being confirmed.}

Context and Reactions

_{The operation, described as Operation Absolute Resolve, is the most direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America in decades.}

_{Venezuela has condemned the strikes as an illegal military aggression, and some countries (e.g., Chile) and international figures have strongly criticized the intervention.}

_{Legal scholars and international law experts are questioning the legality of capturing a sitting head of state through military force under international norms.}

Governmental Situation in Venezuela

_{With Maduro and Flores removed, Venezuela’s vice president (Delcy Rodríguez) has been positioned as acting president under Venezuelan constitutional procedures, though the situation on the ground remains fluid.}