By Gao Yun

U.S. President Donald Trump has long warned that if Venezuela continues to be involved in transnational drug trafficking, the United States would take necessary actions, including military measures. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused the U.S. of attempting to pressure him to step down.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, the U.S. launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela and announced the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were then airlifted out of the country. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the couple will face charges under indictments in New York.

The White House also stated that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with transnational drug trafficking groups, with the operation aimed at cutting off drugs from entering the U.S. U.S. officials claim that the Maduro government has long tolerated or even supported international drug trade.

According to the Associated Press citing U.S. government data, since early September 2025, the U.S. military has carried out at least 35 known strikes on ships suspected of drug trafficking in South American and Caribbean waters.

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To support these operations, the U.S. deployed its largest regional naval and air forces in recent years, including missile destroyers, amphibious assault ships, aircraft carriers, F-35 fighter jets, and submarines armed with cruise missiles.

Timeline of operations on Venezuela:

Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago on Jan. 3, 2026, after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a “large scale strike” on Venezuela. The Trump administration said on January 3 that Venezuela’s captured Maduro and his wife will face “the full wrath of American justice” under drug and terrorism charges. (Image: Javier TORRES / AFP via Getty Images)
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