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In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a covert military operation named "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026. The operation involved extensive planning by elite U.S. troops and intelligence agencies, including the CIA, and was marked by airstrikes on military targets in Caracas. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a proper political transition is established, raising concerns about international law and sovereignty.
Ghana's Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, expressed apprehension about the implications of the U.S. intervention, drawing parallels to previous international crises in Libya and Iraq. He highlighted the potential violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and questioned the legality of the military action. Global reactions have been mixed; while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed no remorse for Maduro's capture, leaders from Latin America, Russia, and China condemned the U.S. actions as unacceptable aggression and violations of international law. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also voiced deep concern over the situation.
The Pentagon had increased military presence in the region prior to the operation, which culminated in Maduro's capture amid heavy fire, with U.S. forces sustaining no major casualties. Trump later shared a photo of Maduro in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, marking a significant military achievement for the U.S. government. However, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the lack of congressional authorization for the military action, adding to the controversy surrounding the operation.