Overview
- President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to New York to face narcotrafficking charges, following a pre‑dawn operation on January 3.
- The New York Times reports at least 40 deaths across civilians and military personnel, while Cuba says 32 of its security members deployed with Maduro’s protection were killed.
- Satellite photos from Vantor and broadcast footage show major damage at Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota, with additional strikes reported at Puerto La Guaira, El Volcán and Higuerote airport.
- Casualty details remain contested, but confirmed victims include Roselena González, 78–80, killed when a residential building was hit in Catia La Mar, with hospitals reporting dozens of injuries.
- U.S. officials report no American fatalities, acknowledging wounded personnel and a damaged aircraft that returned to base, as Venezuela declared a state of ‘Conmoción Exterior’ and mobilized defenses.