US Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Maduro, Sparking Global Outcry
Published 3 January 2026
Highlights
- Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by US forces in a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela.
- The couple faces charges related to drug trafficking and are currently detained in Brooklyn, New York.
- The US operation, led by Delta Force, has sparked international condemnation and raised questions about its legality.
- Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez is expected to assume leadership in Maduro's absence, though this is not officially confirmed.
- The UN Security Council is set to discuss the US intervention, which has been criticized as a dangerous precedent.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: US Military Operation Captures Venezuelan President Maduro, Sparking Global Outcry
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas. The couple, now facing charges of drug trafficking, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Operation Details and International Reaction
The operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," was executed by the US military's elite Delta Force. According to US President Donald Trump, the mission involved extensive planning and coordination with US law enforcement. The capture of Maduro, who has long been accused by the US of leading a corrupt regime, marks a significant moment in US-Venezuela relations.
The international community has reacted with alarm. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the US's military intervention, labeling it a "dangerous precedent." Neighboring Colombia has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, citing violations of international law.
Leadership Transition and Legal Proceedings
In the wake of Maduro's capture, Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez is reportedly poised to take on leadership responsibilities, although this has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, the US Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that Maduro and Flores will face trial in New York, following a 2020 indictment for narco-terrorism.
The operation has also sparked celebrations among Venezuelan expatriates in the US, particularly in Florida, where communities gathered to express hope for a new chapter in Venezuela's political landscape.
Human Impact and Historical Context
Nicolás Maduro's presidency has been marked by economic collapse and mass emigration, with millions fleeing Venezuela due to poverty and insecurity. His capture is seen by some as a relief, yet the manner of his removal raises concerns about foreign intervention and the potential for further instability in the region.
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Scenario Analysis
The capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces could lead to significant shifts in Venezuela's political landscape. If Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez assumes leadership, she may face challenges in stabilizing the country amidst international scrutiny and internal unrest. The US's involvement in Venezuela's oil industry, as suggested by President Trump, could further complicate relations with other global powers invested in the region.
The UN Security Council's upcoming discussions may influence the international community's stance on military interventions and sovereignty. Legal experts warn that the operation sets a concerning precedent, potentially impacting future diplomatic and military engagements worldwide. As the situation unfolds, the balance of power in Venezuela remains uncertain, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas. The couple, now facing charges of drug trafficking, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Operation Details and International Reaction
The operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," was executed by the US military's elite Delta Force. According to US President Donald Trump, the mission involved extensive planning and coordination with US law enforcement. The capture of Maduro, who has long been accused by the US of leading a corrupt regime, marks a significant moment in US-Venezuela relations.
The international community has reacted with alarm. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the US's military intervention, labeling it a "dangerous precedent." Neighboring Colombia has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while China has demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, citing violations of international law.
Leadership Transition and Legal Proceedings
In the wake of Maduro's capture, Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez is reportedly poised to take on leadership responsibilities, although this has not been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, the US Attorney General Pam Bondi has stated that Maduro and Flores will face trial in New York, following a 2020 indictment for narco-terrorism.
The operation has also sparked celebrations among Venezuelan expatriates in the US, particularly in Florida, where communities gathered to express hope for a new chapter in Venezuela's political landscape.
Human Impact and Historical Context
Nicolás Maduro's presidency has been marked by economic collapse and mass emigration, with millions fleeing Venezuela due to poverty and insecurity. His capture is seen by some as a relief, yet the manner of his removal raises concerns about foreign intervention and the potential for further instability in the region.
What this might mean
The capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces could lead to significant shifts in Venezuela's political landscape. If Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez assumes leadership, she may face challenges in stabilizing the country amidst international scrutiny and internal unrest. The US's involvement in Venezuela's oil industry, as suggested by President Trump, could further complicate relations with other global powers invested in the region.
The UN Security Council's upcoming discussions may influence the international community's stance on military interventions and sovereignty. Legal experts warn that the operation sets a concerning precedent, potentially impacting future diplomatic and military engagements worldwide. As the situation unfolds, the balance of power in Venezuela remains uncertain, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.
