Operation Absolute Resolve: The U.S. Capture of Nicolás Maduro

In Operation Absolute Resolve, U.S. forces carried out a high‑stakes military strike in Caracas in early 2026 that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Presented by the Trump administration as a law‑enforcement mission to counter narco‑terrorism and protect American interests, the operation has stirred intense global controversy. Critics argue it violates international law and undermines sovereignty, while allies and adversaries alike reassess alliances and strategic priorities. As Venezuela faces a fragile power transition and the world watches closely, this episode unpacks the geopolitical, legal, and humanitarian fallout of one of the most daring operations in recent history.