Many people waking up in America on Saturday (January 3, 2026) may have felt a feeling of déjà vu. However, the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores is a reminder of an earlier era of US foreign policy.

At that time, the United States had launched an operation inside a Latin American country at midnight, the purpose of which was to capture the leader of that country under the pretext that he was wanted in American courts on drug charges. The date of this American operation was December 20, 1989, the country was Panama and the wanted person was General Manuel Noriega.

American soldiers detained the couple – Trump

US President Donald Trump announced that in an overnight operation, US troops detained President Maduro and his wife in the Venezuelan capital Caracas and evacuated them safely. The incident occurred after Trump mentioned the extraordinary military operation, which involved US air, ground and naval forces.

The US has made serious allegations against Maduro and his wife regarding drugs and now a case will be filed against them. Maduro was impeached in 2020 on charges of leading a terrorism-narcotics-related campaign, while his wife was included in a new indictment along with four other named Venezuelans.

What did the US Secretary of State say?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he does not expect any further action in Venezuela. Trump later said that he was not afraid of the presence of American troops. Whatever happens, as an expert on US-Latin American relations I see the US campaign in Venezuela as a marked change from the recent past.

Removing a foreign leader from power—even if he holds power through questionable electoral means—is a form of ad hoc imperialism and a clear indication of the aggressive policies of the Trump administration. It abandons the diplomatic approach that has been the hallmark of inter-American relations for decades. In fact, since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the ideological hold on potential spheres of influence in the region has weakened.

Indirect intervention was carried out in South America

Lyndon Johnson had a plan in case the 1964 coup in Brazil failed. optional There was a plan. However, the coup was successful. Richard Nixon weakened the socialist government in Chile from 1970, but he did not plot a coup against President Salvador Allende in 1973.

What will happen to Venezuela after Maduro?

The U.S. detention of Maduro makes clear that the U.S. military’s months-long campaign of attacks on alleged narcotics vessels and oil tankers was always aimed at regime change, not any real reduction in the amount of narcotics reaching U.S. shores.

The biggest concern for many regional governments in Latin America and policy experts in Washington will be whether the White House has considered the consequences of this latest tension.

Trump wants to avoid a war like Iraq

Trump undoubtedly wants to avoid another disaster like the Iraq War and so would want to limit any continued presence of the US military and law enforcement, but typically US forces leading Latin American regime change remain on the ground to install a friendly leader and possibly oversee a stable transition or elections.

This is not possible by forcefully removing Maduro from Caracas. According to Venezuela’s Constitution, their Vice President must take office and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is demanding proof that her President is alive. He is not an anti-Maduro leader.

America attacks Venezuela

The US launched massive attacks on Venezuela late on Friday (January 2, 2026) and said that the country’s President Nicolas Maduro has been captured and taken out of the country. Maduro and his wife were captured at night from their home near the military base. He is being taken on an American warship to New York, where he was to face criminal charges. US President Donald Trump said on Fox News on Saturday (January 3, 2026) that the US is now assessing further steps for Venezuela.

US President gave statement

US President Donald Trump said the US would temporarily govern Venezuela and exploit its vast oil reserves to sell to other countries. Trump made this comment a few hours after the US military attacked and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and took them out of the country.

This action of America is the culmination of months of increasing pressure on oil-rich Venezuela. The attack, the result of months of secret planning, is being seen as the US’s most aggressive action to force regime change since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Also read: India On Venezuela: India’s first reaction to the deteriorating situation in Venezuela! Know what was said about Trump and Maduro

US President Donald Trump shared the information on social media at 4:21 am on Saturday (January 3, 2026) about the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife after military action in Venezuela. About 10 minutes after Trump shared the post, New York Times White House reporter Tyler Pager called President Trump.

According to the New York Times report, when the pager called Trump, the President picked up the call only after three rings and a conversation took place between the two. Pager said that his colleague in Venezuela, Anatoly Kurmanayev, had sent a message in a group that Caracas had been bombed, due to which he woke up at around 1 am on Saturday.

President Trump’s habit of picking up the phone is quite popular

He said, ‘When the news of the blasts first came, we had a strong suspicion that America was involved in it.’ Official confirmation came at 4:21 a.m., when Trump posted on Truth Social that Maduro had been captured.

According to the report, Pager said, ‘I called him directly and he picked up the call. I was not too surprised because President Trump’s phone picking habits are quite famous; he often picks up calls from journalists himself. The President said hello on the phone and I started asking questions without any delay. I told him that I was speaking from NYT and had some questions regarding this operation.

Four questions asked to Trump in 50 seconds

He further said, ‘In our short conversation the President did not complain that I had called him. However, he did not even give a direct answer to my questions and asked me to watch his press conference to be held after a few hours. Pager said, ‘I could ask only four questions in 50 seconds, after which the President disconnected the phone.’

America has arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro along with his wife and has brought them to New York jail. Here a case will be filed against him in many cases including drugs. Trump had made it clear that until there is a stable government in Venezuela, Washington will run Venezuela. However, at present Vice President Delsey Rodriguez has been appointed the interim President.

Also read: ‘If you have the courage, come and take me’, when Venezuelan President Maduro challenged Donald Trump, Video

After the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the inside story of US military action is now coming to light. America named this mission Operation Absolute-Resolve (OAR), which was carried out in a very confidential manner. This operation started on Friday night and was completed by early Saturday morning. The US Army, Delta Force, CIA, Navy and FBI worked together in this entire mission.

Operation started in the dark of night
According to local time, America started the operation around 2 am on Friday night and Saturday morning. First of all, air strikes were carried out on many Venezuelan targets, so that the country’s air defense system could be weakened. Its purpose was that Delta Force helicopters could reach Maduro without any hindrance.

Fuerte Tiuna became the center of operations
Fuerte Tiuna, a large military base in Caracas, was the main target of this operation. American intelligence agencies had received information that Nicholas Maduro was present here. After the air strikes, US Special Forces entered the area and Maduro was taken into custody from his compound.

Complete mission in 2 hours 28 minutes
According to local time, at 2:01 am, American Delta Force had reached Maduro’s hideout. After this, Maduro was taken to the beach in just 2 hours and 28 minutes. At 4:29 am, Delta Force completed the operation and left the area.

Maduro taken out of the country on USS Iwo Jima
The American warship USS Iwo Jima was already deployed about 100 miles away from the Venezuelan coast. At around 11 am in the morning, Maduro was taken out of Venezuela through this warship. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were first taken to the Guantanamo naval base. A special Boeing 757 government plane of FBI was already ready there. Both of them were brought to New York by this plane. After landing at New York’s Stewart Airport, Maduro was taken straight to the DEA headquarters. After this, both were shifted to Brooklyn Detention Center by helicopter and then by car.

Big role of CIA, internal network ready
The role of CIA was very important in this operation. The CIA had prepared its sources within the Venezuelan government and among people close to Maduro. Through these sources, Maduro’s every activity was being monitored – where he goes, whom he meets, where he stays and where he sleeps.

Maduro’s security and routine monitored
The CIA had also completely studied Maduro’s security system. At what time, how much security is there, who are the most trusted guards and where Maduro goes in case of danger – all these things were collected. Stealth drones were also used to monitor Maduro.

CIA officers were present on the ground since August
According to American media reports, senior CIA officials were present in Venezuela since August. He was continuously working on Maduro’s daily habits and movements i.e. ‘pattern of life’. As soon as the correct location was confirmed, the operation was given the green signal.

Maduro under control in five minutes
It is being told that American Delta Force captured Maduro in just five minutes. Maduro and his wife were trying to run towards a safe house after seeing American soldiers, but they did not get a chance to escape. American media claims that Delta Force had properly rehearsed this mission a month in advance, so that there was no mistake in the operation.

Trump watched the operation live from Florida
When this entire operation was going on, US President Donald Trump was present in Florida. From there he was keeping an eye on the entire mission through live feed. The US Defense Minister and CIA Director were also present with him. This operation is considered to be one of America’s most high-profile foreign military actions ever.

After the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the video that surfaced from New York has caught the attention of the world. The US military arrested Nicolas Maduro and brought him to New York, where he is being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), located at the headquarters of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Brooklyn. While being taken into custody, a video of Maduro is going viral, in which he is seen saying ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘Good Night’.

Complete ‘parade’ from airbase to DEA office
The US Army videotaped the entire process of landing Maduro at an airbase in New York and taking him to the DEA headquarters. The White House’s Rapid Response 47 team released these videos on social media, which are being seen all over the world.

Nicolas Maduro was seen saying ‘Good Night, Happy New Year’, he was brought to DEA Headquarters in New York City. pic.twitter.com/T3w3mb4mXx

— RT Hindi (@RT_hindi_) January 4, 2026

Maduro seen in handcuffs, wearing a black hoodie
The video from inside the DEA office in Manhattan has been posted on the social media platform X. In this, 63-year-old Maduro is seen wearing handcuffs and a black hooded sweatshirt. He was seen walking in a corridor covered with blue carpet with ‘DEA NYD’ written on it. Here he was seen saying ‘Good Night, Happy New Year’ to the officers.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had shared a picture of Maduro on Saturday evening, in which he was blindfolded and handcuffed.

Home arrest in Caracas
The US Army carried out an airstrike on Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday. Meanwhile, Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were sleeping at their residence in the Fort Tiuna military complex in the capital Caracas, were taken into custody by American soldiers.

Allegations of cocaine smuggling and narco-terrorism
America has accused Maduro of serious allegations of cocaine smuggling, promoting narco-terrorism and rigging in elections. On the basis of these allegations, America planned a change of power in Venezuela. The US Army had surrounded Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea before the action. The US had asked Maduro to step down from power and leave the country, but after his refusal, airstrikes were conducted and he was finally arrested from his home.

Amidst the ongoing widespread protests in Iran, there is once again acute tension in the relations between America and Iran. On Friday (January 2, 2026), the Speaker of Iran’s Parliament warned in clear words that if America took any aggressive step, the American military bases and forces present in the region would be considered legitimate targets. This statement came at a time when US President Donald Trump had threatened to intervene in the ongoing protests in Iran.

According to Fox News report, this statement of the Iranian Parliament Speaker came just hours after a warning in which a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said that if America interferes in Iran’s internal affairs, anarchy could spread in the entire region. Iran believes that external interference will worsen the situation. Earlier, President Trump had issued a strong statement saying that if Iranian security forces use lethal force against peaceful protesters, then America can intervene. This statement has further increased the already existing tension between the two countries.

Violence in protests, 7 people dead so far

There have been reports of violent clashes during the ongoing protests in Iran for the past few days. At least 7 people have died in the clash between security forces and protesters. This movement started from Sunday and gradually spread to many parts of the country. The root of the protests is the deepening economic crisis. Common people are extremely angry with inflation, unemployment and falling value of the national currency. The situation has become such that people’s anger is clearly visible on the streets.

Economic crisis became the main reason for protest

This protest was first seen in the capital Tehran, where traders and shopkeepers raised their voice against the economic policies of the government. The huge fall in Iran’s currency Rial, weak economic growth and continuously rising prices have increased the problems of the common people. According to government data, the inflation rate reached 42.5 percent in December. The value of Riyal against the Dollar has fallen so much that the value of one American Dollar has become approximately 14 lakh Riyal. Due to this the purchasing power of common citizens has been badly affected.

President’s soft language, but limited options

Iranian President Masoud Pejeshkian has shown a relatively soft stance towards the protests. He publicly acknowledged that if people’s livelihood problems were not resolved, it would have serious moral and social consequences. In a program broadcast on state TV, he said that the problems of the public cannot be ignored. However, the President also admitted that in the current economic situation the government has limited options. The path of improvement is not easy due to currency depreciation and international pressures.

Government warning and strict stance of law

Iran’s Prosecutor General has said that the government considers peaceful economic protests as legitimate, but any kind of violence or attempt to spread insecurity will not be tolerated. He warned that strict action would be taken in such cases.

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The latest report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has made the picture of global arms trade clear. According to the report, between 2020 and 2024, Ukraine has emerged as the world’s largest arms importer, while India has remained in second place.

According to SIPRI, during this period Ukraine has purchased 8.8 percent of the world’s total arms imports. After the ongoing war with Russia since February 2022, Ukraine needed large-scale military equipment. Before the war, Ukraine’s arms imports were limited, but after the conflict it imported weapons from more than 35 countries, including the US, Germany and Poland. The biggest contribution in these was from America.

India in second place

According to the report, India secured second position in global arms imports with 8.3 percent share. The special thing is that India is not involved in any major war, yet it is purchasing weapons keeping in mind its security needs. India’s major arms suppliers include Russia, France and Israel. However, SIPRI has also said that India’s imports have decreased compared to before, because the country is moving forward rapidly on indigenous arms manufacturing.

The report shows that compared to 2015-2019, India’s arms imports have decreased by about 9 percent. The reason for this is India’s increasing domestic defense production capacity. BrahMos missile, Tejas fighter jet and modern cannon systems are examples of this.

Gulf countries and Pakistan also in the top list

Qatar is in third place, which imported 6.8 percent of the total arms. After this, Saudi Arabia remained at fourth position and Pakistan at fifth position. Pakistan mainly buys arms from China, Turkey and Netherlands.

Top 10 Arms Importing Countries (2020-2024)

According to SIPRI, apart from Ukraine and India, the list also includes Japan, Australia, Egypt, America and Kuwait. The surprising thing is that America, the largest exporter of arms, is itself included in the top-10 list of arms purchasing countries.

Sharp increase in arms imports in Europe

The report has also revealed that European countries have increased arms imports by 155 percent in the last four years. The main reasons for this are believed to be Ukraine war and regional security concerns.

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US President Donald Trump has confirmed that America has taken military action on Venezuelan soil for the first time. According to Trump, this attack was carried out on a dock from where boats were allegedly loaded for drug smuggling. This action is being seen as a strategy to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Trump spoke openly about this operation during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. He said that a massive explosion occurred in the dock area, where drugs were loaded into boats. Trump said that now that entire area has been destroyed and it is not possible to use it for drug smuggling.

American action increased from sea to land

US action has so far been limited to boats involved in drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, but this is the first time there have been indications of US operations reaching Venezuelan soil. It is clear from this that America has tightened its strategy against drug networks.

Trump remained silent on who attacked

Donald Trump did not say whether the attack was carried out by the US Army or the CIA. He also did not clearly say that the attack took place inside Venezuela, but did say that this action was taken near the coast. Trump said that he has complete information, but he does not want to reveal much about it.

Hinted earlier in radio interview

Earlier, Trump had indicated in a radio interview that an important place related to drug smuggling had been destroyed. He had said that since September till now, boats carrying drugs have been attacked 29 times, in which 105 people have been killed. However, American officials have not yet shared much information regarding this latest action.

Venezuelan silence and oil blockade

According to AP report, there has been no official reaction yet from the Venezuelan government on this attack. At the same time, America has already imposed oil blockade on Venezuela, so that the sources of income of Maduro government can be weakened. In the last few months, Trump has been hinting that America may increase its action outside the sea as well. In October he also admitted that the CIA had been given permission to conduct covert operations in Venezuela.

Also read: Trump-Netanyahu will meet regarding the second phase of ceasefire in Gaza, know which issues can be discussed?

Whenever there is talk of modern war in the world, not only strength or firepower but also cutting-edge technology and weapons made at a cost of billions of dollars are mentioned. In today’s era, making weapons is not just a military necessity, but has become a very expensive combination of science, engineering and strategy. There are many such weapons in the world, the common man is shocked to hear their price.

According to the report of Business Today, Trident missile is considered to be the most expensive weapon in the world. It has been developed by America’s leading defense company Lockheed Martin. Its estimated price is Rs 545 crore 81 lakh 37 thousand 300. America has developed it as part of its nuclear security strategy. This missile can be launched from submarines operating under the sea, which makes it very difficult for the enemy to predict its attack. Trident missile is called the backbone of America’s nuclear deterrence policy.

Why is the Mother of All Bombs dangerous?

Mother of all bombs, called MOAB. This is the world’s most powerful non-nuclear bomb. According to BBC report, it was first used in Afghanistan in 2017. Instead of hitting the ground, this bomb explodes in the air, causing a huge explosion in a large area. Its estimated price is 1 lakh 70 thousand dollars. Its explosive power is so high that even the strongest underground bases are destroyed. Although it is not a nuclear weapon, its power is considered to be many times more than conventional bombs.

Why is the B-2 Spirit Bomber the most expensive military aircraft?

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is said to be the world’s most expensive fighter aircraft. Its biggest feature is that it does not come under the radar of the enemy. This is the reason why this aircraft is capable of going deep and attacking. Each unit of B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber costs 2.1 billion dollars. It can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons and can fly thousands of kilometers without stopping.

laser guided missile

In modern warfare, accurate aiming has now become the most important thing. Laser guided missiles fulfill this need. Missiles like Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II can destroy even small targets with great precision. Its price is approximately Rs 23 lakh 21 thousand 389 per unit. The special thing about these weapons is that unnecessary damage can be reduced by attacking in a smaller area. This is the reason why modern armies are rapidly increasing their trust.

Why is Stinger missile considered a protective shield for soldiers?

Stinger missile is a missile which any soldier can fire by keeping it on his shoulder. It is designed for ground-to-air attack and is capable of shooting down helicopters or fighter planes. Its price is approximately Rs 31 lakh 50 thousand 456. This missile has proved its effectiveness in many wars and even today it is present as an important weapon with many armies of the world.

Also read: World Most Powerful Army: 5 most powerful armies of the world, is India included in this list of military power?

Airstrikes in Nigeria: America has conducted several deadly air strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria. US President Donald Trump has given this information. Trump alleges that these terrorist groups were targeting and killing Christians in the area.

Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump said that these air strikes were carried out on his orders. He wrote that the hideouts of ISIS terrorists operating in northwestern Nigeria were targeted. Trump said, ‘Tonight the Commander in Chief, on my instructions, targeted ISIS terrorists in northwest Nigeria.

Accused of targeting Christians

President Trump alleged that these terrorists were targeting and brutally killing innocent Christians. He said that such level of violence has not been seen in many years or even centuries. According to Trump, he had already warned these terrorists that if the killing of Christians did not stop, they would have to face serious consequences.

‘Warned’

Trump wrote in his message, ‘I had already warned these terrorists that if they did not stop the massacre of Christians, they would have to pay a heavy price and the same happened tonight.’

American army did a perfect strike

According to the President, America carried out many precise air strikes in this military operation. He said that the US Defense Department carried out this action. Trump wrote, ‘The Department of War delivered many perfect strikes, something only the United States can do.’

Strict stance against terrorism

Trump said that this action reflects his tough stance against terrorism. He wrote, ‘Under my leadership our country will not allow radical Islamic terrorism to flourish.’ Along with this, he praised the American Army and while wishing a Merry Christmas, he said, ‘God bless our army and Merry Christmas to everyone, even the dead terrorists, Merry Christmas.’ At the same time, the US Africa Command (US AFRICOM) has said that the action taken against ISIS in Sokoto, Nigeria (called ‘Soboto’ in the AFRICOM statement) was taken at the request of the Nigerian authorities.

What Donald Trump said amid increasing tension with Venezuela cannot be underestimated as a warning. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday (November 29, 2025) that the airspace over and around Venezuela should be considered completely closed.

“All airlines, pilots, drug and human traffickers, please consider the airspace over and around Venezuela completely closed,” Trump said in a post shared on Truth Social. The increasing tension between the two countries and this statement of Trump is no less than a threat to Venezuela.

Pentagon carried out more than 20 attacks on drug ships

Chinese news agency Xinhua said that since the beginning of September, the Pentagon has carried out more than 20 attacks on alleged drug ships in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing more than 80 people. The US military presence in the Caribbean was further strengthened in mid-November, when the USS Gerald R. Ford, a large aircraft carrier, was deployed at a level not seen before in three decades.

At a Thanksgiving ceremony organized for American soldiers on Thursday (November 27, 2025) night, Trump had said that America could very soon take ground action against the drug trafficking network in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President denies allegation after Trump’s threat

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and accused Washington of making an excuse for changing the government in Venezuela. The New York Times (NYT), citing people associated with the matter, said on Friday (November 28, 2025) that Trump had spoken to the Venezuelan President on the phone last week.

According to the report, the two leaders discussed the possibility of meeting face to face, although no arrangements have been made yet. It was also reported that both the White House and the Venezuelan government declined to comment on this conversation.

US by ,Official Cartel de los Souls, declared a foreign terrorist organization

According to reports, on November 24, the US declared the ‘Official Cartel de los Souls’ a foreign terrorist organization and imposed sanctions on the group, which it claimed was led by Maduro. In a statement, Venezuela said that it opposes such a step and called it an absurd lie aimed at illegally interfering in its internal affairs.

Axios, citing an unidentified source on Monday (November 24, 2025), said that Trump has made up his mind to talk directly to Maduro. It was said that there was more talk about talks and less about bombing. Axios quoted an official familiar with the matter as saying, “Right now no one is planning to go in and shoot him or remove him (Maduro) from office. I won’t say it will never happen, but that’s not the plan right now.”

According to the report, this decision of Trump is an important step in gunboat diplomacy (threatening diplomacy) and it may indicate that missile attacks or direct military action from America is not going to happen right now.

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