In a controversial military operation on January 3-4, 2026, President Trump’s administration captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas, leading to their extradition to New York on narcoterrorism charges. The action resulted in the reported deaths of 32 Cuban nationals and has been condemned by the international community, with critics, including Russia and Cuba, denouncing the operation as an act of “savage imperialism” carried out without a UN mandate.
Story Snapshot
- 32 Cuban nationals reported killed in the US military operation in Venezuela.
- Maduro captured and extradited to New York for narcoterrorism charges.
- Cuba declares a two-day mourning period for the deceased.
- The operation lacked a UN mandate, leading to global criticism.
US Military Operation in Venezuela
On January 3-4, 2026, a US military operation in Caracas led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This action resulted in the death of 32 Cuban nationals, who were reportedly part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces or Ministry of the Interior. Cuba has condemned the operation as a “criminal attack,” declaring a two-day mourning period. The operation has drawn accusations of imperialism from the international community.
The captured leaders are now in New York, facing charges of narcoterrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons possession, updating a 2020 indictment. The US government has justified the operation as a necessary action against Maduro’s regime, which has long been accused of fostering drug trafficking and terrorism. This event has further strained US relations with Cuba and Venezuela, which accuse the US of seeking control over Venezuelan oil resources.
An American military operation in Venezuela killed 32 Cuban officers over the weekend, the Cuban government said Sunday in the first official death count provided of the American strikes in the South American nation.
📎https://t.co/kZXbGFTJDi pic.twitter.com/2Ob8xLzdBw
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) January 5, 2026
Background and International Reactions
The operation stems from years of tension between the US and Venezuela, heightened by previous US sanctions and attempts to recognize opposition leadership. Venezuela has been a strong ally of Cuba, which has provided military support in exchange for oil. This operation is reminiscent of past US interventions, such as the 1989 Panama invasion, and has sparked criticism for bypassing the UN.
International reactions have been swift, with Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov condemning the US actions as “savage imperialism.” Critics argue that the US is undermining its own arguments against Russia’s actions in Ukraine by acting without a UN mandate. Despite the backlash, the Trump administration remains steadfast, emphasizing the operation’s focus on justice and narcoterrorism prevention.
Impact and Future Implications
The immediate aftermath includes over 80 reported deaths, infrastructure damage in Caracas, and a potential power vacuum in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture. The operation risks further escalating tensions with Cuba, Russia, and Iran, while potentially opening opportunities for US firms to access Venezuelan oil assets. The long-term impact may include political instability in Venezuela and a precedent for unilateral interventions by powerful nations.
The operation has sparked protests in Caracas, with Maduro supporters decrying the US actions. In Cuba, the mourning period has fueled anti-US sentiment, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel calling the US “terrorists in imperial uniform.” This operation may reshape the geopolitical landscape, impacting alliances and diplomatic relations for years to come.
Watch the report: Cuba Says 32 Citizens Killed in U.S. Attack on Venezuela, Declares National Mourning
Sources:
- Cuba: 32 citizens killed in US operation in Venezuela
- Cuba says 32 citizens killed in U.S. raid to arrest Venezuela’s Maduro
- Cuba Says 32 of Its Citizens Died in Venezuela, Including Military Personnel – The New York Times
