The first large-scale, open U.S. military attack on Venezuela took place in the early hours of 3 January 2026, with strikes focused on Caracas and nearby areas and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Key date and time

  • The main U.S. attack on Venezuela began around 2:00 a.m. local time on 3 January 2026, when multiple airstrikes hit targets in and around Caracas.
  • U.S. officials say Donald Trump gave the final order late on the night of 2 January (U.S. time), with aircraft launching from bases across the Western Hemisphere shortly afterward.

What happened in the attack

  • The operation, reported as Operation Absolute Resolve , involved more than 150 aircraft striking military and strategic sites around northern Venezuela, including areas near the capital and key bases like La Carlota and Fuerte Tiuna.
  • During the same overnight operation, U.S. special forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife and flew them out of Venezuela; they later arrived in New York to face U.S. charges.

Earlier strikes before 2026

  • Before the full-scale attack on Caracas, the U.S. had already carried out military actions tied to anti-drug operations, including strikes on boats alleged to be smuggling narcotics from Venezuela starting in September 2025.
  • In late December 2025, U.S. officials acknowledged at least one drone or airstrike on a port or docking facility on Venezuelan territory, described as the first known land strike inside Venezuela before the January 2026 assault.

Why this is in the news now

  • The 3 January 2026 attack has triggered strong reactions across Latin America and globally, with regional leaders condemning the operation and warning about violations of sovereignty and international law.
  • Analysts are framing the attack as the culmination of years of U.S. sanctions, political pressure, and escalating military moves in the Caribbean, especially through 2025.

Quick recap

  • Main attack date: 3 January 2026 (overnight from 2–3 January).
  • Nature of attack: Large-scale airstrikes plus special forces raid that captured Maduro.
  • Earlier use of force: Anti-drug strikes on boats from September 2025 and at least one land strike in December 2025.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.