US Military Operations in Venezuela: Maduro Indictment, Airstrikes on Caracas, and Regional Responses

VENEZUELA - Multiple developments occurred on January 3, 2026 (local time), related to U.S. military operations and legal actions against Venezuela. UNITED STATES - Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States. Bondi stated they will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts, and thanked President Trump and the military for the successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers. VENEZUELA - Air raid sirens and explosions were reported across Caracas, Venezuela, with widespread power outages affecting parts of the capital. Venezuelan media also confirmed explosions on Margarita Island. Unverified reports suggest possible airstrikes, alongside sightings of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and CH-47 transport helicopters flying low over Caracas, which is now reported to be completely without electricity. The Venezuelan government announced that the United States carried out attacks on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, as well as Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency across the country, stating: "We reject any unilateral military action that would exacerbate the situation or endanger the civilian population." The Venezuelan government also declared: "Venezuela reserves its right to exercise legitimate self-defense to protect its people, its territory and its independence." UNITED STATES - The Trump Administration indicated that it is aware of reports of explosions and aircraft activity over Venezuela's capital. No official confirmation was provided that the United States has carried out attacks on the country. The United States issued a new Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting U.S. aircraft from operating at any altitude within Venezuelan airspace. The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela warned U.S. citizens against traveling to Venezuela and urged citizens there to take shelter. CUBA - Cuban Foreign Minister stated: "We strongly condemn the ongoing military aggression by the US against Venezuela. The bombings and acts of war against Caracas and other locations in the country are cowardly acts against a nation that has not attacked the US or any other country." These developments come shortly after President Nicolás Maduro signaled his willingness to engage in serious negotiations with the United States. The situation remains fluid, and we are closely monitoring for updates.