U.S. Launches Operation Absolute Resolve, Captures Maduro in Venezuela

On January 3, 2026, the U.S. military launched Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in pre-dawn strikes beginning around 2 a.m. local time. Thirty-two Cuban security personnel stationed at the presidential palace were killed. The operation gave the U.S. effective control over Venezuelan oil infrastructure and set in motion Trump's oil blockade against Cuba and his executive order shielding Venezuelan oil revenues from court seizure.