Inside US’ Military Operation In Venezuela – What Is Next For Caracas Politics And Leadership | World News

The United States carried out a rapid military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. It was stated that the entire operation took approximately 30 minutes. US forces entered the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and detained President Maduro. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also detained.

US President Donald Trump himself publicly announced the arrest, marking a striking change from previous calls for peace and international recognition. In today’s DNA episode, Zee News Editor-in-Chief Rahul Sinha analyzed the US attacks in Venezuela:

Watch DNA Episode Here:

#DNAमित्रों | This is not a problem. किया!…देखिए दुनिया के ‘सबसे तेज तख्तापलट’ का this #DNA #DNAwithRahulSinha #Venezuelan #Airstrike #DonaldTrump #NicolasMaduro@RahulSinhaTV pic.twitter.com/baAvsR81bM— Zee News (@ZeeNews) January 3, 2026

The US administration stated that Maduro will now face criminal investigation in the US. Trump claimed that he gave a final warning to Maduro a week ago and described the operation, which he watched from the White House, as an unprecedented operation.

Trump also announced that the United States will decide Venezuela’s future leadership and oil policy. He warned that individuals and groups loyal to Maduro would face consequences.

Meanwhile, Russia, China, Iran and North Korea condemned US military action against Venezuela.

Multiple videos circulating in Venezuela show explosions in Caracas, including attacks high above the capital, at the port of La Guaira and near key military and communications facilities. US Apache attack helicopters and Chinook helicopters were seen flying low over the city. Chinook helicopters reportedly transported elite Delta Force commandos to Caracas.

US forces allegedly targeted four main areas:

• Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military base and command center
• La Carlota Air Base, the main military and civilian airport in Caracas
• El Volcán, an important communications center in the hills of the capital
• Port of La Guairá, Venezuela’s primary port for oil exports and supplies

The operation was carried out by U.S. Delta Force commandos, a highly secretive special mission unit operating under direct presidential authority and specializing in the capture of high-value targets.

Maduro and his wife were detained without encountering any resistance and quickly flew out of the country. Some commandos were reported injured but no deaths were reported.

After Maduro’s arrest, the Venezuelan vice president asked for evidence that Maduro was alive, while the attorney general stated that the responsibility for Maduro’s security now belonged to the United States.

Celebrations, including the removal of posters of Maduro, were reported in parts of Venezuela, but political control reportedly remained with his supporters.

Trump publicly mentioned opposition leader María Corina Machado and said the United States was considering options regarding her, signaling potential plans for Venezuela’s future leadership.