Bitcoin rises to three-week high amid US operation in Venezuela
Illustrative photo: Bitcoin advances to three-week high after Maduro's detention (Getty Images)
Bitcoin advanced to $93,323 during trading in Asia on Monday, January 5. This marks the highest level since December 11, according to Bloomberg.
The agency states that it was the cryptocurrency market's response to the US operation in Venezuela and the arrest of Nicolás Maduro.
Bitcoin gained 2.3%, quickly rebounding after a brief drop below $90,000 on Saturday following the first reports of explosions in Caracas. Alongside the largest cryptocurrency, ether and XRP also advanced, while gold climbed 2% (to more than $4,400 per ounce) and silver jumped 4.8%.
Bitcoin had been trading within a narrow range for several weeks and ended the year down 6.5%. Last year, the cryptocurrency underperformed despite market-friendly decisions initiated by US leader Donald Trump.
As of January 2, investors had poured $471 million into 12 US-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This inflow was the largest since November 11, potentially signaling a shift in sentiment in the cryptocurrency market.
US operation in Venezuela
Codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve, the US operation in Venezuela began on January 3, 2026. American forces launched airstrikes on Caracas and blocked key infrastructure facilities, marking the start of the active phase of efforts to overthrow the regime.
The following day, reports emerged that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been detained. They were taken into custody while attempting to leave the presidential palace and were swiftly removed from the country.
US President Donald Trump officially confirmed the success of the operation and said Maduro would face trial on charges of narco-terrorism. The Venezuelan politician is currently held in custody in New York.
The detained Venezuelan leader was transported to New York. Today, January 5, he is scheduled to appear before a federal judge to be formally charged with narco-terrorism.
