US Operation Results in Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Mon Jan 05 2026 14:56:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant military operation, the US has captured Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela, accused of drug trafficking. This capture has sparked international reactions and heightened tensions between the USA and Venezuela.

The US has confirmed that President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela has been captured in a military operation. Explosions were reported in Caracas, leading to his arrest, amid accusations from the US regarding his involvement in drug trafficking. The operation has drawn widespread condemnation from Venezuela and reactions from other nations highlighting concerns over sovereignty and international law.

US Operation Results in Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

The US has captured Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro following a large-scale military operation, confirmed by US President Donald Trump. This incident has arisen from ongoing tensions between the two nations, with Maduro facing serious charges related to drug and weapons offenses in a US court.

Witness reports indicated explosions across Caracas, including military installations, which were part of the operation's tumultuous backdrop. The Venezuelan government has since demanded evidence of Maduro and his wife's well-being and declared a national emergency.

Details of the Operation

Maduro was reportedly apprehended by the US Army's elite Delta Force. President Trump detailed that they were prepared for a highly strategic operation, aimed at securing Maduro's arrest without casualties on the US side.

Early explosions in Caracas were documented on social media, although unverified. Maduro and his wife were en route to the US at the time of the capture.

International Reactions

Reactions from Venezuela were immediate, with officials demanding proof of life for Maduro. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez described the airstrikes as a severe violation of sovereignty, while other nations, including Russia and China, condemned the US actions as acts of aggression.

The US, on the other hand, characterized the operation as a necessary step in addressing Maduro's alleged involvement in international drug trafficking. Maduro's government has described the situation as an overt attempt by the United States to undermine Venezuela’s sovereignty and seize its resources.

Context: Who is Nicolás Maduro?

Nicolás Maduro has been a controversial figure on the global stage since succeeding Hugo Chávez in 2013. Claiming victory in recent elections that were widely disputed, he faces longstanding accusations of human rights violations and corruption, alongside allegations of drug trafficking. The US had placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro, indicating the serious implications of his leadership for American security policies.

What Next for Venezuela?

The situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile as international communities react and the internal political landscape shifts. Trump indicated continued US involvement in Venezuela's governance, raising concerns about future interventions and the implications for Venezuelan sovereignty.