Overview
- The White House announced that U.S. forces detained Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores after a rapid pre‑dawn offensive on January 3.
- Reports describe coordinated strikes on strategic sites in and around Caracas, including La Carlota, Fuerte Tiuna, the Cuartel de la Montaña, the Port of La Guaira and Higuerote airport.
- U.S. authorities have framed the action as enforcement of prior federal indictments, following years of a posted $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture.
- Venezuelan and Latin American celebrities widely celebrated on social media, with posts from Catherine Fulop, Ricardo Montaner, Carlos Baute, and Mau y Ricky highlighting relief and hope.
- Some public figures voiced concern over the intervention and urged caution, with Tatiana Astengo questioning the show of force and Elena Rose advising Venezuelans to prepare for possible power and communications disruptions.