Satellite images released by the U.S. spatial intelligence firm Vantor show extensive damage to the Fuerte Tiuna military complex in southern Caracas, following a U.S. strike operation that began late Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. The operation, described by President Donald Trump as a “highly complex raid to capture Maduro,” aimed to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transport him to New York for drug‑related charges.
Background of the Operation
In August 2025, the White House announced a $50 million bounty on Maduro’s head. The U.S. military had increased its presence in the Caribbean and had conducted multiple strikes against vessels suspected of narcotics smuggling. The operation, dubbed “Operation Absolute Resolve,” followed months of escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Maduro regime.
Satellite Imagery Findings
Vantor’s imagery, captured on December 22 and January 3, shows a marked difference in the condition of the Fuerte Tiuna complex. The December image depicts intact military buildings and storage facilities, while the January image reveals destroyed structures, damaged storage buildings, and several vehicles. Security buildings at the complex’s gate are also shown as destroyed. The images confirm that the U.S. strike targeted the complex’s infrastructure, which houses defense ministries, major commands, and official residences.
Details of the Raid
According to statements from Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. forces—including law‑enforcement officers—entered Maduro’s fortified compound under heavy fire. The team reportedly seized Maduro and his wife and transported them aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. President Trump reported that several American personnel were injured and that one helicopter sustained damage, but no fatalities occurred and no U.S. equipment was lost.
Reactions from Venezuela and the International Community
The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes, claiming that U.S. forces targeted both military and civilian areas. Video footage shared on social media shows helicopters over Caracas, large explosions, and smoke plumes. Some world leaders, particularly from neighboring countries, criticized the operation, while a number of Democratic U.S. lawmakers expressed concern. Many Republicans voiced support for the mission. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the administration did not notify Congress before the operation and only informed members afterward.
Implications for Venezuelan Governance
President Trump stated that the United States would “run the country” until a safe transition of power could be ensured, though the specific mechanism for such governance remains unclear. The operation also coincided with the seizure of Venezuelan‑linked oil tankers and the imposition of a naval blockade targeting sanctioned vessels. Trump has encouraged American oil companies to engage with the Venezuelan oil industry, indicating a potential shift in U.S. economic policy toward the country.
Forward Look
The U.S. is expected to continue monitoring the situation in Venezuela, with potential follow‑up operations if Maduro’s status changes. The U.S. Department of Defense may release additional details on the raid’s outcomes, and the U.S. Senate is likely to hold hearings on the authorization and execution of the operation. Venezuelan authorities may seek international mediation to address the conflict, while the United Nations could call for a diplomatic resolution. The next few weeks will determine whether the U.S. will maintain a direct role in Venezuelan governance or shift toward a more advisory capacity as the transition of power unfolds.
