The U.S. conducted a targeted military strike on January 3, 2026, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife through special operations forces and airstrikes on air defenses and infrastructure, an action Trump framed as enforcement against narcotics trafficking rather than a broad invasion. The administration then announced temporary U.S. oversight of Venezuela to stabilize the country, secure oil access for American firms, and facilitate a leadership transition, while warning of additional operations if Maduro allies resist cooperation. Venezuela had earlier mobilized ground, naval, and missile forces in anticipation of escalation, and regional actors including Russia and China have cited the raid in diplomatic statements. Senate briefings and ongoing U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean continue to shape assessments of whether further ground commitments will occur within resolution windows.