Archive · 6 Jan 2026
US Captures Maduro, Sparks Global Debate
The US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise operation.
He is now in a US jail facing serious charges.
The US says they won't run Venezuela but will keep pressuring the country to change its policies.
Venezuela's government is angry and says Maduro is their rightful leader.
Some people in the US support the action, while others are worried it might lead to a long and complicated involvement.
The US is also blocking Venezuelan oil ships and has a big navy presence in the area.
There were reports of many people dying in the attack, but the US says they had very few injuries.
Now, there's a debate about who will lead Venezuela next.
China and other countries are criticizing the US for this action, saying it's not right for one country to control others.
Meanwhile, Pakistan and China are talking about how to work together better.
US military captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and flew him to the US, where he is detained in Brooklyn facing serious charges.
The US government clarifies that they do not plan to govern Venezuela but will enforce an oil quarantine to pressure policy changes.
Venezuela's government condemns the US action as imperialist and demands Maduro's release, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez ordered to serve as interim president.
The operation has sparked debate, with some US political figures criticizing the action as a betrayal of Trump's 'America First' pledge, while others support it.
China and other countries criticize the US action, emphasizing the importance of international law and sovereignty, while Pakistan and China discuss strengthening their strategic partnership.
- Who
- US military and intelligence agencies, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
- What
- US military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, leading to his detention in the US and sparking a debate on future governance of Venezuela and global reactions
- When
- Saturday (unspecified date), reported on Sunday, January 4
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela, and the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York
- Why
- To bring Maduro to justice for alleged narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, and to exert pressure for policy changes in Venezuela, while China and Pakistan discuss strategic partnerships
US Government
Venezuela Government
US Involvement in Venezuela
US Government
The US government claims the operation was a law enforcement action to bring Maduro to justice for narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges. They assert that the US will not govern Venezuela but will enforce an oil quarantine to pressure policy changes.
Venezuela Government
The Venezuelan government condemns the US action as an imperialist kidnapping and rejects any foreign intervention in their internal affairs. They demand the release of Maduro and assert his rightful leadership.
Future Governance of Venezuela
US Government
The US government suggests that Vice President Delcy Rodríguez could assume interim leadership and cooperate with US interests to improve Venezuela's standard of living. They imply that Rodríguez could face consequences if she does not comply.
Venezuela Government
The Venezuelan government, through its Supreme Court, has ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to serve as interim president, following the country's constitutional procedures. They reject any US influence in their governance.
- Location of Capture
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Current Detention Facility
- Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn
- Charges Against Maduro
- Narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, possession of machine guns, and conspiracy involving such weapons
- US Oil Quarantine
- Enforced blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers
- US Naval Deployment
- One of the largest in modern history in the Western Hemisphere
- Reported Casualties
- At least 40 people, including military personnel and civilians, according to a senior Venezuelan official
- US Political Base Reaction
- Largely supportive, with some criticism from conservative figures and Democrats
- China's Reaction
- Condemned the US action as a violation of international law and sovereignty
- China-Latin America Trade
- Reached a record high of $518.47 billion in 2024
- Pakistan-China Relations
- Over $62 billion invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Sources
Venezuelan houses destroyed in US attack; no official figures on deaths
Rubio takes U-turn on Trump's 'running Venezuela' stance
'Not a war against Venezuela': Rubio takes U-turn on Trump comments, suggests US won’t govern the country - US News
40 killed in US strike, says Venezuela
Rubio Walks Back Trump’s Claim That U.S. Will Run Venezuela
US-Venezuela tensions LIVE: Trump warns of 'big price to pay' as Rubio assures 'America not at war'
Trump political base sets aside isolationism to cheer Maduro capture
Cuba says 32 of its citizens killed in Maduro extraction
Cuba Says 32 Cuban Officers Killed in US Action in Venezuela
32 Cubans Killed During Venezulean Leader Nicolas Maduro's Capture
Cuba confirms 32 officers killed in US military operation in Venezuela
Russian embassy warns citizens against travel to Venezuela, TASS reports
Iran, China demand Nicolas Maduro’s release; Rubio says Trump ‘retains optionality’ on occupying Venezuela
Russia warns citizens against travel to Venezuela
Did ‘Jack Ryan’ pull a Simpson? Co-creator claims shocking parallels between TV show and Venezuela attack
Limping and handcuffed Nicolas Maduro transported by helicopter to New York Court
'In dark mode': Venezuelan oil tankers allegedly broke US blockade, sailed secretly before Maduro’s arrest
China This Week | China’s reaction to Venezuela crisis, and Pak-China foreign ministers’ meeting
Gold rates today: MCX gold surges ₹2,400 per 10g, silver prices zoom ₹13,500 per kg on US-Venezuela tensions
How Venezuelan media sees Trump’s capture of Maduro
Where was Venezuela’s military when US troops captured Maduro? Experts hint at secret deal
UN chief Guterres raises concerns about instability in Venezuela, legality of US operation
Venezuela orders police to find, arrest anyone involved in supporting U.S. attack-decree
Only 33% of Americans approve of US strike on Venezuela, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
What's Next For Post-Maduro Venezuela: 5 Scenarios
UN chief Guterres raises concerns about instability in Venezuela, legality of US operation