During early morning hours on 03 January 2026, the U.S. military conducted strikes on strategic military targets in and around Caracas and captured President Nicholas Maduro and his wife. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Maduro is set to stand trial on criminal changes in the U.S., and that the U.S. strikes in and around Caracas were to "protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant."
There are unconfirmed reports that Maduro negotiated his exit, but it is also possible he was given up by a member of his inner circle given the $50M bounty on his head offered by the U.S. Department of Justice. With the speed of the operation and lack of U.S. casualties, a negotiated exit is plausible as Maduro likely saw no viable way out. Maduro will now stand trial in either New York or Miami on charges related to drug trafficking.
The targeted military strikes and capture of Maduro mark the finale of the recent escalation cycle between the U.S. and Venezuela since strikes on narco-boats off the coast of Venezuela began in September 2025. Boat strikes were followed by a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers and finally, in late December, a small number of covert strikes on sites in Venezuela used for drug trafficking purposes. The rapid escalation from those covert strikes to the capture of Maduro suggests that additional pressure was not going to work in achieving the United States’ goals.
Ground Situation
- The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela advised Americans to shelter in place, while the FAA barred U.S. civil and commercial aircraft from Venezuelan airspace.
- Power outages were reported across several areas of Caracas following the strikes, with damage reported at La Guaira port and naval base, and military bases in Miranda, Aragua, and other regions.
- Venezuela activated all armed forces and ordered citizens to stay in their homes.
- Colombia deployed militarized police to its border with Venezuela and stationed monitoring forces at border crossings in North Santander.
While this action is unprecedented, there are several possible paths forward:
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Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumes the presidency on much friendlier terms with the U.S. and promises substantial change within the country.
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Presumed July 2024 election winner and opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia becomes president with Maria Corina Machado assuming the office of vice president.
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VP Rodriguez or others emerge as leader of the country but continue the tradition of Maduro and Chavez, likely ending up in a similar position to Maduro in the future.
While President Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at 1100am EST today, the next 48 hours will provide clarity on the situation and the path forward in Venezuela.
Recommendations
- Continue to monitor developments in Venezuela.
- Abide by official directives to shelter-in-place.
- Consider activating evacuation plans should the situation deteriorate.
STANDING BY TO Support
Global Guardian is closely monitoring the situation and can support clients who need assistance with local teams in the area to provide:
- Evacuation planning and execution
- Executive protection
- Secure transportation
- Emergency response
- Intelligence reports
- Risk assessments
Click below to contact Global Guardian's 24/7 Operations Center or call us directly at +1 (703) 566-9463.
