Nicolas Maduro Captured: A Historic Turning Point in US-Venezuela Relations

Tue Feb 03 2026 01:46:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has been captured in a US-led military operation, marking a significant escalation in the countries' long-standing tensions over drug trafficking and political legitimacy.

In a military operation conducted by the US, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown to the US on charges related to drug trafficking. The events unfolded after explosions were reported in Caracas, leading to heightened tensions and a demand for proof of life from the Venezuelan government. Trump confirmed the operation, describing it as a success, while Maduro's administration condemned it as a violation of sovereignty.

Nicolas Maduro Captured: A Historic Turning Point in US-Venezuela Relations

The US has captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro after a large scale strike on the South American country, US President Donald Trump has said. Trump indicated that Maduro, along with his wife, was taken in a military operation executed in conjunction with US law enforcement, facing charges in New York for drug and weapons offenses.

The operation was marked by explosions reported throughout Caracas, particularly near military bases, prompting the Venezuelan government to demand proof of Maduro's life and to declare a national emergency.

Maduro's capture follows a prolonged period of increased hostility between the US and Venezuela, with the US accusing the Venezuelan president of complicity in drug trafficking and Maduro accusing the US of intimidation tactics.

Operation Details

Maduro was reportedly captured by the US Army's elite Delta Force. Trump shared that the operation was meticulously planned, emphasizing that no US forces were harmed and that they deployed heavy equipment to breach defenses at Maduro's compound. Following the operation, Maduro was transported toward New York City.

Reactions from the Venezuelan Government

The Venezuelan government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, has expressed uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, demanding clear evidence of their wellbeing. The defense minister claimed that the strikes targeted civilian areas and promised to provide details regarding any casualties.

The Venezuelan administration condemned the US actions as an extreme violation of sovereignty, alleging an intention to seize resources in the country.

Global Implications

The US's actions have raised alarms globally, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as aggression against sovereign states. Other Latin American leaders have also voiced concern over the implications of military intervention on regional stability.

The Charges Against Maduro

US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and Cilia Flores would face serious charges including conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism. The US government had previously offered a substantial reward for information leading to Maduro's capture, reflecting the high stakes regarding his alleged trafficking operations.

Conclusion

This unprecedented military operation marks a critical juncture not only for US-Venezuela relations but also for the broader geopolitical dynamics within Latin America.