On January 3, 2026, the United States military carried out a large-scale operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Following this major political shift and the resulting disruption to local infrastructure, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company, Starlink, announced it would provide free internet services to the people of Venezuela for one month.
Details of the U.S. Military Operation
The operation, named Operation Absolute Resolve, was authorized by President Donald Trump and executed by elite U.S. forces, including the Army’s Delta Force. The mission began in the early hours of Saturday morning with airstrikes and ground raids targeting key locations in Caracas. According to U.S. military officials, over 150 aircraft, including F-22 and F-35 fighter jets and B-1 bombers, were involved in the mission.
U.S. forces targeted Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, where Maduro and his wife were staying. The raid was described by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a precise mission that lasted less than 30 minutes on the ground. President Trump confirmed the capture via social media and press conference, stating that the couple had been flown out of Venezuela and taken to New York City to face federal charges.
Charges Against Nicolás Maduro
The legal basis for the capture stems from a 2020 federal indictment in the United States. Maduro is accused of narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and leading a drug-trafficking organization known as the "Cartel of the Suns." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the captured leader would face trial in American courts. Upon arriving in New York, Maduro was taken to a federal detention center in Brooklyn.
In a press conference from Florida, President Trump said that the U.S. intended to help "run" Venezuela on a temporary basis to ensure a safe transition of power. He also mentioned that the U.S. would work to restore the country's oil production, which has struggled for years under economic sanctions and mismanagement.
Starlink Steps in With Free Internet
The military strikes caused significant damage to Venezuela's already fragile infrastructure. Many parts of the capital city, Caracas, experienced power outages and a total loss of internet and phone communications. To address this, Starlink announced on January 4, 2026, that it would offer free broadband internet to all users in Venezuela until February 3.
Elon Musk shared the announcement on his platform, X, saying the move was intended to "support the people of Venezuela." Because Starlink uses satellites in space rather than ground cables, it can provide internet even when local power grids and fiber networks are down. This service is expected to help citizens stay in touch with their families, access news, and coordinate emergency aid during the transition.
The Situation Inside Venezuela
The removal of Maduro has created a leadership vacuum and sparked protests in some parts of the country. While many Venezuelans celebrated the news, others loyal to the Maduro government described the event as a "kidnapping" and a violation of national sovereignty.
To maintain order, the Venezuelan Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to take over as acting president. However, the United States and several other countries have not officially recognized her authority, as they view the previous administration as illegitimate. The United Nations and several neighboring countries, including Colombia, have expressed deep concern about the potential for violence and regional instability following the U.S. intervention.
Future Outlook
The capture of a sitting head of state is a rare and controversial event in modern history. While the U.S. government views it as a law enforcement action against a criminal, international critics have questioned the legality of the military strike. In the coming weeks, the world will watch to see how the new acting government in Caracas interacts with U.S. officials and whether the promised transition to a new leadership can happen peacefully. For now, the free internet provided by Starlink remains one of the few reliable ways for information to flow in and out of the country.
