[CEONEWS=Reporter Choi Jae-hyeok] On January 3, 2026 (local time), the United States conducted airstrikes on Venezuela and arrested President Nicolás Maduro. Immediately following the success of the operation, U.S. President Donald Trump declared, "The United States will operate Venezuela until a proper transfer of power takes place." This unprecedented event, involving the arrest of a sitting head of state of a sovereign nation through a military operation, has sent shockwaves through the international community.
■ The Full Account of the Operation
According to U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane, President Trump ordered the commencement of the operation at 10:46 PM on January 2nd (local time). Approximately 150 aircraft, including bombers, fighter jets, reconnaissance planes, and drones, took off simultaneously from over 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere toward Venezuela.
Special forces, led by Delta Force, raided Maduro's hideout. The New York Times (NYT) assessed this operation as the most dangerous military mission since the operation to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011. At least seven explosions occurred in the Caracas area, and significant damage was confirmed at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military facility.
Following his arrest, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transferred to the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) before being transported to New York. President Trump released a photo on his social media showing Maduro blindfolded and wearing a gray tracksuit. Maduro has been indicted in New York federal court on charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, and is scheduled to appear in court on January 5th (local time).
■ Background of the Operation: The Drug War and Oil Interests
The U.S. Department of Justice previously indicted Maduro on drug trafficking charges in 2020 during the first Trump administration. The Trump administration designated Venezuelan drug organizations 'Tren de Aragua' and the 'Cartel of the Suns' as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) in January and July of 2025, respectively, and has claimed that Maduro commands the latter. Maduro’s side has denied these allegations.
Since August 2025, the U.S. has forward-deployed warships and troops to the southern Caribbean. In September, they began attacking suspected drug smuggling vessels, and by December, they went as far as seizing oil tankers transporting Venezuelan crude.
Economic factors are also pointed to as a significant background. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves at 303 billion barrels. In a press conference, President Trump stated, "American oil companies will enter Venezuela to rebuild infrastructure," adding, "They will make a lot of money." Some analyze this as a resource acquisition strategy under the pretext of a war on drugs.
■ Mixed International Reactions
The international community's reaction to this operation has been sharply divided.
Condemnation: Brazilian President Lula da Silva criticized the move, stating, "Attacking a nation in flagrant violation of international law is the first step toward a world of violence and chaos." Mexican President Sheinbaum also cited the UN Charter, stating, "We strongly condemn this." While Colombia does not recognize the Maduro regime, it declared, "We reject aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and Latin America."
Reserved Welcome: French Foreign Minister Barrot welcomed Maduro's ouster but expressed concern, saying, "We note that violations of international law principles are increasingly on the rise."
Support: U.S. Republican lawmakers hinted at follow-up measures, stating, " The dictatorships in Cuba and Nicaragua will not be able to withstand the Trump administration either."
■ International Legal Controversy and Criticism Within the U.S.
The operation is causing serious controversy regarding international law. Critics point out that it directly contradicts the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity stipulated in the UN Charter.
Criticism has also arisen within the United States. Democratic lawmakers criticized President Trump for conducting a military operation without prior notification to Congress, calling it an act beyond his authority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified, "This was a measure to protect the execution of an arrest warrant," and argued it was "within the President's inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution," but the debate among legal experts continues.
■ Repercussions for the Korean Peninsula
This incident also holds implications for the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the New Reform Party, pointed out, "This is an unprecedented situation where a sitting head of state of a sovereign nation was secured by force," adding, "The logic used for Maduro’s arrest could also be applied to Kim Jong-un."
At the same time, he warned, "We must make it clear that the unilateral use of force should not become a universal means of resolving international disputes. Otherwise, if China applies similar logic in the Taiwan Strait, we will be left with nothing to say."
In fact, North Korea showed a sensitive reaction by firing a ballistic missile into the East Sea immediately after Maduro's arrest. Experts interpret this as an expression of North Korea's wariness regarding the possibility of a 'decapitation operation' by Trump.
■ Future Outlook: An Era of Uncertainty
On January 3rd, the Constitutional Chamber of the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as Acting President. While Rodriguez denounced the U.S. military operation as a "kidnapping," she is reportedly in talks with Secretary of State Rubio.
Future scenarios are largely splitting into two paths. What is clear is that the second Trump administration has formalized a diplomatic line that prioritizes American national interests over agreements with international organizations or the understanding of allies. This heralds significant uncertainty for the future international order.
It is a point in time that demands cool-headed and sophisticated diplomatic judgment from South Korea regarding what principles to uphold and what practical benefits to pursue amidst this changed international environment.
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