Honestly, if you’d told someone six months ago that we’d be seeing these headlines in January 2026, they probably would’ve called you crazy. But here we are. The ultimas noticias de Venezuela are dominated by a single, earth-shaking event: the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026.
It wasn't a slow transition. It was a "lightning strike" operation—Operation Absolute Resolve—that has left the region spinning and the world arguing over international law.
The Night Everything Changed in Caracas
People in Caracas woke up to the sound of explosions around 2:00 AM on that Saturday. It wasn't just another protest or a power outage. U.S. Delta Force teams, backed by "Operation Absolute Resolve," conducted a nighttime raid that targeted the presidential residence. By dawn, Donald Trump had confirmed it: Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were no longer in Venezuela.
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They’re currently in New York.
Facing a laundry list of charges—narcotrafficking, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons possession. The U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has been pretty vocal about it, stating they will face "the wrath of U.S. justice." It’s basically the Noriega scenario but updated for the TikTok era.
Meanwhile, back in Caracas, the power vacuum is... messy. Delcy Rodríguez stepped in as "acting president," backed by Diosdado Cabello and the military high command. They’re calling it a "ruin and cowards' attack" and a flagrant violation of sovereignty. You've got two governments again, but this time, the stakes are physically different because the previous figurehead is literally in a jail cell in Manhattan.
The Oil Question: Is the U.S. Moving In?
One of the wildest parts of the ultimas noticias de Venezuela is the talk about "governing" the oil. Trump has suggested the U.S. might essentially manage the Venezuelan oil industry to "repay" the costs of the intervention.
On January 7, the U.S. Department of Energy seized two tankers, one of them flying a Russian flag. Secretary Chris Wright says the U.S. might sell the crude indefinitely. For the average person, this sounds like a win for gas prices—which are already sitting around $2.67 a gallon—but experts like Patrick De Haan from GasBuddy say it’s way too early to see a real impact at the pump.
- Venezuela’s current production is stuck at around 750,000 barrels per day.
- Getting back to the 3 million mark would take years of repairs.
- Most "Big Oil" companies (think Chevron or Exxon) are being super cautious. They remember the 2007 nationalizations and aren't exactly rushing to dump billions into a country that’s still essentially a war zone.
Maria Corina Machado and the "Year of Liberty"
Before all this went down, Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo González had already declared 2026 as the "Year of Liberty." Kinda prophetic, right? They’re still in a tough spot, though. While they’re the faces of the opposition recognized by the European Parliament, they are still operating with limited physical control on the ground.
Machado has been pushing the international community to not ignore what she calls "state terrorism." But while she’s meeting with world leaders, her own family members are feeling the heat. Her ally Edmundo González recently reported that his yerno (son-in-law), Rafael Tudares, was finally allowed a 25-minute visit in prison—behind bulletproof glass. Tudares is serving a 30-year sentence for "conspiracy," a reminder that the old regime's judicial grip hasn't just vanished because Maduro is gone.
The Human Cost: 8 Million and Counting
We can talk about oil and "geopolitical chess" all day, but the reality on the streets is heavy. Over 8 million people have fled the country. That is a staggering number. In the last few weeks, the borders have become even more chaotic.
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At the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, it’s not just people leaving anymore. It’s a mix. Some are trying to get back in, hoping the "fall" means they can go home. Others are fleeing pre-emptively because they’re terrified of a full-scale civil war between the military and foreign forces.
The Mixed Migration Centre has noted that if things don't stabilize, we could see "circular mobility"—where people go back to "test" the waters, find no jobs or electricity, and then head right back to Colombia or Brazil.
What Happens Tomorrow?
If you're looking for the "bottom line" in the ultimas noticias de Venezuela, it’s this: the "Maduro era" is effectively over, but the "Chavista system" is still breathing.
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The U.S. is selectively rolling back some sanctions to move oil, but they’re also intensifying others to keep pressure on the remaining leadership in Caracas. It’s a weird, contradictory time. You’ve got commercial flights slowly resuming, but you also have reports of "sonic weapons" being used during the initial raids.
Actionable Insights for Following the Situation:
- Monitor the Oil Infrastructure: Watch for any news of U.S. oil majors (Chevron, Halliburton) signing new "service contracts." This is the first real sign of long-term stability.
- Watch the Military High Command: The key isn't Maduro anymore; it’s whether the mid-level generals decide to strike a deal with the U.S. or keep backing Delcy Rodríguez.
- Track the UN Security Council: Over 117 countries have already criticized the U.S. action as "illegal." If international pressure mounts, the U.S. might be forced to hand over control to a UN-backed transitional council sooner than planned.
- Check Visa Updates: For Venezuelans abroad, the Trump administration has been hit-or-miss with immigration policies. Keep a close eye on the "Visa Waiver" discussions for neighboring countries, as this affects how the diaspora moves.
The situation is moving fast. Honestly, by the time you read this, another "breaking news" alert has probably hit your phone. Stay skeptical of "perfect" narratives—this transition is going to be anything but clean.