Overview
- The Pentagon identified the months‑planned mission as Operation Absolute Determination, saying it unfolded overnight on Jan. 2 with participation from more than 150 aircraft, while U.S. media reported Delta Force executed the capture.
- U.S. Justice officials said Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores will be prosecuted in U.S. courts, with charges described as narco‑terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracies tied to a New York federal case.
- Venezuela’s government condemned what it called dangerous military aggression, said it does not know Maduro’s whereabouts, demanded proof he and his wife are alive, and announced mobilization and emergency measures.
- Lawmakers in Washington challenged the operation’s legality, with Sen. Ruben Gallego calling it unlawful and Sen. Mike Lee questioning constitutional authority, as a U.S. source said congressional leaders were briefed only after the action.
- Global reaction hardened against the strikes, including denunciations from Russia, Iran and Cuba, European calls for restraint and possible mediation, and a U.N. Security Council emergency meeting scheduled for Monday at Venezuela’s request conveyed by Colombia.