2026 United States intervention in Venezuela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Operation Absolute Resolve |
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| Part of the crisis in Venezuela, Linked to Operation Southern Spear | |
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| Location | Northern Venezuela, including Greater Caracas |
| Planned by | United States Department of Defense |
| Commanded by | Donald Trump |
| Target | |
| Date | 3 January 2026 02:01 – 04:29 (VET, UTC−04:00) |
| Executed by |
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| Outcome |
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| Casualties | Killed:
Injured:
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On January 3, 2026, the United States took action in Venezuela. They captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This operation was called Operation Absolute Resolve. It started early in the morning with explosions. The US Armed Forces targeted important sites in northern Venezuela. This was to clear the way for a team to reach Maduro's home in Caracas. Maduro and Flores were then taken by US forces to New York City.
The US government announced that Maduro and Flores faced serious accusations. These were related to their alleged involvement in illegal activities. They pleaded not guilty in a New York court on January 5, 2026. US President Donald Trump and his team said the operation was a law enforcement action. They stated it had military support and was within the president's powers.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez called the capture a kidnapping. Venezuelan officials reported that at least 23 security officers died. The government of Cuba said 32 of its military and intelligence members also died. Many international groups and experts said the action went against international rules. They said it violated Venezuela's independence. People around the world reacted with both celebrations and protests.
President Trump said the US would guide Venezuela until a new leadership was in place. However, Vice President Rodríguez disagreed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified this. Trump's team also said that access to Venezuelan oil was a main reason for the action. The Venezuelan government continued to operate. Rodríguez became the acting president on January 5, 2026. Under her leadership, at least 18 political prisoners were released by January 10. This action, according to Trump, helped prevent more US military actions.
The US State Department advised US citizens to leave Venezuela. This was due to the presence of certain pro-government groups. These groups, known as colectivos, were reportedly targeting US citizens.
Images for kids
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US president Donald Trump with members of his cabinet at Mar-a-Lago during Operation Absolute Resolve
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US F-35A jets at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station following the operation
See also
In Spanish: Ataque estadounidense a Venezuela de 2026 para niños
