Archive · 5 Jan 2026
US Captures Venezuelan President Maduro
The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a surprise military operation.
They were taken to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking.
The US plans to temporarily run Venezuela and use its oil.
Venezuela and some other countries are upset, saying this is not fair and breaks international rules.
India and other countries are watching closely and want everyone to talk things out peacefully.
The US says it did this to stop bad things like drug trafficking, but others think it's not right to interfere in another country's affairs.
The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation, taking them to New York to face criminal charges.
The operation, codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' was authorized by President Donald Trump and involved extensive planning and coordination.
The US plans to temporarily run Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, aiming for a transition to a new government.
Venezuela has declared a state of national emergency and condemned the US action, with its vice president assuming interim presidential duties.
International reactions are mixed, with some countries supporting the US and others, like India and Sri Lanka, condemning the violation of sovereignty and international law.
- Who
- US special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
- What
- A military operation to capture Maduro and his wife, followed by their transfer to the US to face criminal charges.
- When
- Early Saturday, with the operation authorized on Friday night.
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela, with Maduro and his wife being taken to New York.
- Why
- To bring Maduro to justice for alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, and to potentially tap Venezuela's oil reserves.
US and Allies
Venezuela and Critics
Legality of the Operation
US and Allies
The US justifies the operation as necessary to combat narco-terrorism and bring Maduro to justice for alleged drug trafficking and other crimes.
Venezuela and Critics
Venezuela and its supporters condemn the operation as a violation of international law and sovereignty, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for unilateral military actions.
Future of Venezuela
US and Allies
The US plans to temporarily run Venezuela and tap its oil reserves, aiming for a transition to a new government.
Venezuela and Critics
Venezuela's vice president and supporters argue that the country's leadership should be determined by its own people, not by external forces.
International Response
US and Allies
The US and its allies, including Canada, support the operation as a step towards democracy and stability in Venezuela.
Venezuela and Critics
Countries like Sri Lanka and India, along with left parties in India, condemn the US action, emphasizing the importance of sovereignty and non-intervention.
- Captured Individuals
- Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores
- Operation Name
- Operation Absolute Resolve
- Charges
- Drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy
- US Plan for Venezuela
- Temporary administration and tapping oil reserves
- Venezuela's Response
- State of national emergency declared
- International Reactions
- Mixed, with some countries condemning the US action
- India's Stance
- Deep concern, monitoring the situation, calls for dialogue
- Canada's Stance
- Supports a Venezuelan-led transition process
Sources
‘Matter Of Deep Concern, Closely Monitoring Situation’: India Over Situation in Venezuela, Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
India voices concern over Venezuela crisis, urges dialogue and diplomacy
'Powerful Countries Don't Have Right To Violate This Principle': Sri Lanka's Ruling JVP on US Attack on Venezuela
International law can't be...: Cong on Venezuela situation
'Freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity': Canada supports Venezuela-led transition process
UPSC Key: US capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, Buddha Piprahwa relics, and Social Security Code
‘Nicolas Maduro had his chance — until he didn’t’: White House mocks Venezuelan President’s fiery ‘come and get me’ speech
Settled principles of international law can’t be violated unilaterally: Cong on US action in Venezuela
Left Parties Condemn US Military Actions Against Venezuela, Call for Nationwide Protests
Kerala CM slams Centre’s ‘silence’ over US aggression in Venezuela
Opposition condemns US’s Venezuela operation: Congress expresses ‘grave concern’, Left calls for nationwide protests
America’s ouster of Venezuela’s Maduro regime has oil spillovers that India can’t ignore
Top of the Morning: India urges restraint as Venezuela crisis deepens
CPI(M) protests against US action on Venezuela near Chennai consulate
