On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale strike in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a dramatic operation tied to narcoterrorism charges; President Trump announced the U.S. would "run" or exert control over Venezuela temporarily, sparking global condemnation from China, Cuba (which mourned 32 killed Cuban fighters), and others, while triggering protests...

The initiative builds on existing US sanctions aimed at pressuring political change in Venezuela, but it now explicitly ties into claims that Maduro's officials facilitate drug trafficking routes. This dual focus—on oil sanctions and counter-narcotics—has resulted in lethal strikes on suspected drug boats and record drug seizures, further straining the regime's resources and international standing.

President Donald J. Trump abruptly declared Venezuela’s entire airspace “CLOSED” on Friday night, warning that any aircraft entering it “will be met with very serious consequences.” The unilateral move — announced via Truth Social and immediately backed by an FAA emergency NOTAM — has no direct legal authority over sovereign Venezuelan airspace but amounts to a U.S.-enforced no-fly zone. The announcement caps months of rapid escalation.