Archive · 8 Jan 2026
US Strike Ousts Maduro, Sparks Regional Tensions
The US military did a big operation in Venezuela that captured their leader, Nicolas Maduro.
This made Colombia worried because some guerrilla leaders who were hiding in Venezuela might come back to Colombia.
So, Colombia sent many soldiers to the border to keep things safe.
The US president, Donald Trump, also told Colombia's leader, Gustavo Petro, to be careful.
Petro said he would fight for his country if needed.
China, which is friends with Venezuela, said the US did something wrong by capturing Maduro.
They also said that the equipment they sold to Venezuela didn't work well against the US attack.
US military operation captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, transferring him to the US to face charges.
Colombia deployed thousands of troops to its border with Venezuela following Maduro's ousting.
China criticized the US operation, asserting it violated international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the US raid, escalating tensions with US President Donald Trump.
Colombia is preparing for potential US aggression while maintaining security cooperation with the US.
- Who
- US military, Colombian forces, Chinese government, Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro
- What
- US military operation ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Colombian troops deployed to border, Chinese condemnation of US actions
- When
- After the US military operation in Caracas, reports received on Tuesday
- Where
- Venezuela, Colombian border, border city of Cucuta
- Why
- US military operation to capture Maduro, threat to Colombia's security, Chinese support for Venezuelan sovereignty
- US Military Operation
- Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro
- Colombian Response
- Deployed thousands of troops to the border
- US Warning
- Trump warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro
- Chinese Reaction
- Condemned US actions as violations of international law
- Border Length
- 2,200 kilometers (1,370 miles)
- Guerrilla Groups
- National Liberation Army (ELN), FARC factions
