Venezuelans react to U.S. strikes and Maduro’s capture : Celebrations?
TOI GLOBAL | Jan 05, 2026, 17:55 IST
The U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro has triggered sharply divided reactions among Venezuelans at home and abroad. While many in the diaspora celebrated what they see as liberation from years of repression, others inside Venezuela and across the region warned that foreign military intervention risks deeper instability and long-term consequences.
As news of the intense U.S. military operation in Venezuela spread globally, reactions among Venezuelans, both in the country and in the diaspora, were mixed. This reflects years of division, suffering, and hope for change.
In cities with significant Venezuelan communities abroad, such as Doral, Florida, Santiago, Chile, Madrid, and Lima, Peru, many Venezuelan expatriates celebrated after hearing that Nicolás Maduro had been captured by U.S. forces following overnight strikes on January 3, 2026. Reuters reported that thousands of Venezuelans who had fled years of economic collapse, hyperinflation, and political repression viewed Maduro’s removal as liberating and a step toward rebuilding their homeland. Some cheered, waved their national flag, and expressed hope for a return home after years apart from family and opportunities.
In Florida’s Doral neighborhood, known as “Doralzuela,” happy crowds waved pro-Trump signs and praised the U.S. operation. Many Venezuelan exiles thanked President Donald Trump for taking action they believed could finally end decades of hardship. Some felt renewed trust in the U.S. to promote democratic change in Venezuela, even as they wondered what might come next.
However, not everyone responded with joy. Inside Venezuela, reports indicated that residents felt shock, fear, and uncertainty in the early hours after explosions and power outages shook Caracas and other areas. Some Venezuelans were alarmed by the sudden violence, fearing it would lead to more instability and suffering for ordinary people.
Left-wing activists, human rights groups, and political commentators worldwide condemned the U.S. military intervention, calling it a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Critics say that no foreign power should use force to remove a sovereign leader, even one accused of corruption and human rights violations. They warn that such actions can set a dangerous precedent and may destabilize not only Venezuela but also the wider Latin American region.
Internationally, allies of Venezuela, including Cuba and Russia, condemned the strikes. Cuban leaders labeled the operation “state terrorism” and called for global opposition to what they described as criminal aggression. Regional powers such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia also expressed strong concerns, condemning the use of force and urging diplomatic solutions and respect for international law.
Still, even among those Venezuelans opposed to Maduro's rule, opinions differ. Some argue that while Maduro’s government was profoundly damaging, U.S. intervention was not the right approach. They point to historical examples where foreign military action failed to bring lasting peace or stability. Others view the operation as a last-ditch effort to remove a leader they blame for years of economic hardship and suffering.
This complex mix of reactions, blending joy, fear, moral outrage, and political calculation, shows just how deeply the events of January 3 have affected Venezuelans at home and abroad. The path ahead remains uncertain for a nation long defined by crisis.
In cities with significant Venezuelan communities abroad, such as Doral, Florida, Santiago, Chile, Madrid, and Lima, Peru, many Venezuelan expatriates celebrated after hearing that Nicolás Maduro had been captured by U.S. forces following overnight strikes on January 3, 2026. Reuters reported that thousands of Venezuelans who had fled years of economic collapse, hyperinflation, and political repression viewed Maduro’s removal as liberating and a step toward rebuilding their homeland. Some cheered, waved their national flag, and expressed hope for a return home after years apart from family and opportunities.
In Florida’s Doral neighborhood, known as “Doralzuela,” happy crowds waved pro-Trump signs and praised the U.S. operation. Many Venezuelan exiles thanked President Donald Trump for taking action they believed could finally end decades of hardship. Some felt renewed trust in the U.S. to promote democratic change in Venezuela, even as they wondered what might come next.
However, not everyone responded with joy. Inside Venezuela, reports indicated that residents felt shock, fear, and uncertainty in the early hours after explosions and power outages shook Caracas and other areas. Some Venezuelans were alarmed by the sudden violence, fearing it would lead to more instability and suffering for ordinary people.
Left-wing activists, human rights groups, and political commentators worldwide condemned the U.S. military intervention, calling it a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. Critics say that no foreign power should use force to remove a sovereign leader, even one accused of corruption and human rights violations. They warn that such actions can set a dangerous precedent and may destabilize not only Venezuela but also the wider Latin American region.
Internationally, allies of Venezuela, including Cuba and Russia, condemned the strikes. Cuban leaders labeled the operation “state terrorism” and called for global opposition to what they described as criminal aggression. Regional powers such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia also expressed strong concerns, condemning the use of force and urging diplomatic solutions and respect for international law.
Still, even among those Venezuelans opposed to Maduro's rule, opinions differ. Some argue that while Maduro’s government was profoundly damaging, U.S. intervention was not the right approach. They point to historical examples where foreign military action failed to bring lasting peace or stability. Others view the operation as a last-ditch effort to remove a leader they blame for years of economic hardship and suffering.
This complex mix of reactions, blending joy, fear, moral outrage, and political calculation, shows just how deeply the events of January 3 have affected Venezuelans at home and abroad. The path ahead remains uncertain for a nation long defined by crisis.