The United States conducted a military intervention in Venezuela involving the abduction and removal of Maduro from power

Sources

• SecondaryChatham HouseThe US capture of President Nicolás Maduro and attacks on Venezuela have no justification in international law. The operation occurred on January 3, 2026.
• SecondaryUK House of Commons LibraryLegal scholars and politicians have questioned whether the operation was lawful under international law. Operation Resolve and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro occurred on January 3, 2026.
• SecondaryBrookings InstitutionOn January 3, 2026, the United States launched a special operation to exfiltrate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro and his first lady, Cilia Flores, violate international law.
• SecondaryThe ConversationU.S. military actions against Venezuela and the Jan. 3, 2026, capture of its leader as unlawful. The operation involved the abduction of President Maduro and violated international law in three ways: violation of sovereignty, use of force without UN authorization, and violation of diplomatic immunity.
• SecondaryAl JazeeraOn January 3, 2026, the United States bombed Venezuela and abducted President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation that drew condemnation and praise from different quarters.