Sources & Methods What’s happening with the U.S. and Venezuela?
18 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Carrie Kahn, an NPR international correspondent covering South America, and Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, share insights on the stunning detainment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Brooklyn. Kahn reveals the mixed emotions of Venezuelans—shock, relief, and fear—amid explosions in Caracas. Bowman analyzes U.S. strategies regarding Venezuela, including oil revenue plans and potential implications for national security. They touch on the challenges reporters face accessing Venezuela and the Pentagon's ongoing review of women in combat roles.
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Rapid, Surprising Shift In Venezuela
- The U.S. operation in Venezuela unfolded at breathtaking speed and surprised many observers.
- Journalists and officials scrambled to understand events as they evolved in real time.
Waking To Explosions In Caracas
- Carrie Kahn woke to calls and social media videos showing explosions across Caracas.
- Her fixer in Venezuela confirmed the scene: 'of course I'm awake. There's no sleeping through this.'
Street Reaction: Shock And Relief
- Reporters on the ground felt shock and relief when told Maduro had been seized.
- Many Venezuelans Carrie spoke with were overwhelmingly happy to see Maduro go.