Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Trump Approves Venezuela Bombing Operation
President Trump and his team watched and approved a special operation against the Venezuelan government.
They were in a special room at Mar-a-Lago, looking at screens showing what was happening.
Soldiers from the Delta Force and special helicopters helped in the operation.
The photos taken during this event looked like something from a movie, showing everyone focused on the screens.
The operation started at 1:01 a.m.
in Caracas, Venezuela.
The operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Some people think the operation was a distraction from domestic issues, while others see it as a strategic move to address drug trafficking and assert US dominance in the region.
The operation has sparked debates about its legality, motives, and impact on regional dynamics.
President Trump approved a bombing operation against the Venezuelan government at 10:46 p.m. ET Friday.
The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, was executed at 1:01 a.m. EST Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela.
Delta Force operators and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment helicopters were involved in the raid.
The White House released stylized black-and-white photos of Trump and his team watching the operation.
Key figures present during the approval included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Marco Rubio, and Gen. Dan Caine.
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Marco Rubio, Gen. Dan Caine, Delta Force operators, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez
- What
- Approval and execution of a bombing operation against the Venezuelan government, capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
- When
- Operation approved at 10:46 p.m. ET Friday, executed at 1:01 a.m. EST Saturday
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Why
- To address drug trafficking and potential threats to US interests, assert US dominance in the region, and potentially bring Venezuelan oil back into global markets
Critics of the Operation
Supporters of the Operation
Legality and International Law
Critics of the Operation
Critics argue that the operation violates international law and the US Constitution, citing it as an unconstitutional use of military force for personal political gain.
Supporters of the Operation
Supporters claim the operation was necessary to address drug trafficking and potential threats to US interests, justifying it as a legitimate action against a hostile regime.
Motives Behind the Operation
Critics of the Operation
Some believe the operation was a distraction from domestic issues, such as the Epstein files and economic concerns, aimed at shifting public attention.
Supporters of the Operation
Supporters argue that the operation was a long-planned strategic move to curb drug trafficking and assert US dominance in the region, unrelated to domestic scandals.
Impact on Venezuela and Regional Dynamics
Critics of the Operation
Critics warn that the operation could lead to further instability and undermine international relations, potentially escalating tensions with countries like Cuba, Russia, and China.
Supporters of the Operation
Supporters see the operation as an opportunity to stabilize the region by removing a corrupt regime and potentially bringing Venezuelan oil back into global markets, benefiting the US and its allies.
- Operation Name
- Operation Absolute Resolve
- Approval Time
- 10:46 p.m. ET Friday
- Operation Time
- 1:01 a.m. EST Saturday
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Key Figures Present
- President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Senator Marco Rubio, Gen. Dan Caine
- Venezuelan Oil Reserves
- 303.8 billion barrels (as of 2020)
- Current Venezuelan Oil Production
- 1% of global supply
- US Trade with Latin America
- $45 billion annually
- China's Trade with Latin America
- $500 billion annually
- Latin America's GDP
- Around $5.5 trillion
- Population of Latin America
- Exceeding 650 million
Sources
Theatre Of War Exposed: Trump Stages Venezuela Bombing Like A Hollywood Spectacle | Watch
Maduro captured: A new Polymarket account made $436,759 overnight on Operation Absolute Resolve. A wild guess?
C Raja Mohan writes: On Maduro, there’s a reason for Delhi’s restraint — and a window of opportunity in the region
Venezuela acting president urges US for a 'balanced and respectful international relations'
Change the headline: Did Trump extract Maduro to divert attention from Epstein files fallout? Clinton, Bush, Reagan took similar actions
Maduro's dance may have led Trump to capture him after US warnings were brushed off: Report
The US Attack on Venezuela Ought to Be Condemned—But Wasn’t
After Venezuela, who could be next as Donald Trump expands Monroe Doctrine? - Telegraph India
