POLITICS

U.S. Forces Capture Maduro In Nighttime Covert Operation

PUBLISHED Jan 3, 2026, 8:06 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Left 25%

Center 50%

Right 25%

Sources: 8

Washington, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a covert operation early this month. President Donald Trump ordered the mission, which military officials said launched at 10:46 p.m. Eastern time and involved more than 150 aircraft, naval assets, and intelligence teams. A CIA unit and special operations personnel reportedly tracked Maduro for months before the raid; U.S. officials say Maduro surrendered and now faces U.S. Department of Justice custody. The administration released photographs of Maduro aboard a U.S. ship and said it will oversee a transition in Venezuela. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Months before the raid: U.S. increased naval presence and reportedly interdicted suspected trafficking vessels.
Intelligence phase: CIA teams and special forces monitored Maduro's movements and rehearsed plans.
Presidential authorization: President Trump gave the final order to launch the operation late on the stated Friday.
Operation execution: Operation Absolute Resolve unfolded under darkness; U.S. forces entered Caracas and took Maduro and his wife into custody.
Aftermath: U.S. officials released photographs, announced DOJ custody, and described plans for transition and potential oil-sector access.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

The U.S. administration strengthened geopolitical leverage and U.S. energy firms gained opportunities to pursue Venezuelan oil development under a U.S.-led transition framework.

Who Impacted

Venezuelan civilians faced immediate disruption, Maduro's supporters and family experienced detention, and regional diplomatic stability and civilian safety were undermined.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 2
Neutral:: 4
Distribution:: Left 25%, Center 50%, Right 25%

Who Benefited

The U.S. administration strengthened geopolitical leverage and U.S. energy firms gained opportunities to pursue Venezuelan oil development under a U.S.-led transition framework.

Who Impacted

Venezuelan civilians faced immediate disruption, Maduro's supporters and family experienced detention, and regional diplomatic stability and civilian safety were undermined.