Overview
- Late-night explosions in Caracas followed an operation U.S. officials call Midnight Hammer, planned over months and executed by helicopter-borne special forces after suppressing air defenses.
- President Trump said Nicolás Maduro and his wife were removed to U.S. custody; Attorney General Pamela Bondi said they will face charges in the Southern District of New York as early as January 5.
- The New York Times, citing a senior Venezuelan official, reported at least 40 deaths, including civilians and soldiers, and Venezuela requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
- Trump stated the United States will run Venezuela during a transition and referenced oil sector goals and the Monroe Doctrine, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez publicly rejected U.S. claims of cooperation.
- Russia condemned the action as an unacceptable violation of sovereignty, and U.S. lawmakers split over legality, with Senator Chuck Schumer preparing a measure to curb further unilateral military moves.