Venezuela Crisis: US Troops Active After Maduro Capture – Trump Vows Strong Stance

Tensions in Venezuela reach a dramatic peak in January 2026 as US military forces execute a successful operation capturing former president Nicolás Maduro. Reports confirm heightened American troop activity in the region, including near Colombia-Venezuela border areas, following the early January strikes and apprehension.

President Donald Trump announces the capture on January 3, stating US forces took Maduro into custody after targeted actions in Caracas. The operation involves airstrikes on infrastructure and elite units breaching compounds, aiming to address long-standing instability and security concerns.

Military Presence and Border Activity

Thermal footage and eyewitness accounts show US troops boarding Venezuela-linked oil tankers and maintaining presence off the coast. Vehicles and personnel appear at Colombia-Venezuela border crossings, with Colombian military coordinating amid refugee flows and security checks.

Analysts note the buildup supports post-operation stabilization, preventing counter-moves by Maduro loyalists or foreign allies. No new ground invasion reported, but regional forces remain on alert.

BREAKING; COLOMBIA"S tanks and troops are moving to VENEZUELA border.

Colombia has deployed troops and armored vehicles to its border with Venezuela , in response to the U.S. military operation that reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

This follows U.S.

— Macy Christensen (@kiran_kalapala) January 9, 2026

Trump’s Position and Global Reactions

Trump emphasizes “considering all options” to safeguard Venezuelan oil revenues and promote American interests. He frames the intervention as protecting regional stability and countering criminal elements allegedly sent northward.

World reactions vary: allies express caution, while critics decry unilateral action. Post-Maduro governance transitions underway, with US overseeing key assets.

47 Venezuelan troops were killed earlier this month when the US attacked Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and abducted President Nicolas Maduro, the country’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said ⤵️ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/17/nearly-50-venezuelan-soldiers-killed-in-us-abduction-of-president-maduro

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 17, 2026

The situation evolves rapidly. US military maintains vigilance near borders as diplomatic efforts address the power vacuum. Venezuela enters uncertain new phase under international spotlight.