Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Trump Captures Maduro, Venezuela in Chaos
President Trump recently had Venezuelan President Maduro captured and taken to New York.
This happened very quickly and easily, which surprised many people.
Now, there is a lot of confusion in Venezuela about who is in charge.
The US says they want to help, but some people in Venezuela are not happy and want Maduro back.
Trump also talked about the war in Ukraine and said he is disappointed it hasn't ended.
He mentioned that many soldiers have died, mostly Russians.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky hinted that the US should take similar action against Russian President Putin.
In Venezuela, the vice president called the US actions illegal, and there have been protests.
Trump also wants US companies to invest in Venezuela's oil industry, promising it will be safe.
However, some people say the US operation in Venezuela was against international law because it used force without permission from the UN or a valid reason for self-defence.
They also say that abducting a sitting president is against the rules that protect leaders from being tried in foreign courts.
This could set a bad example for other countries and make the world less stable.
The situation in Venezuela is very confusing, and it is not clear what will happen next.
The country's oil industry is in bad shape, and it will take a lot of time and money to fix it.
India has been careful in its response to the US action and has maintained good relations with Venezuela in the past.
US President Donald Trump oversaw the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, taking them to New York.
The operation was conducted with minimal resistance, surprising many analysts and raising questions about the Venezuelan military's role.
There is significant confusion in Venezuela about the current leadership, with various factions and officials vying for control.
Trump has expressed interest in US companies investing up to $100 billion in Venezuela's oil industry, despite its crumbling infrastructure and low production.
India has responded cautiously to the US action, maintaining good relations with Venezuela and emphasizing the importance of its relationship with the US.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Former Indian Ambassador Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha
- What
- US operation in Venezuela resulting in the rendition of President Nicolás Maduro, Trump's statements on Putin and the Ukraine war, and investment opportunities in Venezuela, analysis of the situation in Venezuela and its oil industry, and India-Venezuela relations
- When
- January 3, 2026, and subsequent events
- Where
- United States, Venezuela, Ukraine, Russia, India
- Why
- To address alleged crimes by Maduro, clarify US stance on potential actions against Putin, discuss the Ukraine war, explore investment opportunities in Venezuela, and analyze the situation in Venezuela and its oil industry, and India-Venezuela relations
- Event
- US operation in Venezuela resulting in the rendition of President Nicolás Maduro
- Date
- January 3, 2026
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- US Justification
- Law-enforcement action against an alleged criminal
- International Law Violation
- Unilateral use of force against a sovereign state without UN authorization
- Personal Immunity
- Sitting heads of state enjoy immunity from foreign criminal jurisdiction
- Broader Implications
- Potential erosion of the prohibition on the use of force and the rules-based international order
- Venezuela's Oil Industry
- Crumbling infrastructure, low production, and historical US investments
- India-Venezuela Relations
- Moderate response from India, historical ties, and oil imports
Sources
Trump’s power grab: the start of a new world order?
From Venezuela to Iran: Trump’s New Year shock and a world on edge
'I don't think that's necessary': Trump dismisses idea of Maduro like action against Putin
Will Trump order mission to 'capture' Russia's Vladimir Putin like Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro? US President says...
Will US capture Putin like Maduro? Here's what Trump said
Panama and Venezuela, 36 years apart: How Bush and Trump used law to break law
After Maduro, will US target ‘dictator’ Putin? Trump breaks silence
Manish Tewari | US Rendition Of Maduro Against International Law
What Is 'Donroe Doctrine', Trump's Aggressive Foreign Policy To Dominate The Western Hemisphere | Explained
Across the aisle by P Chidambaram: A new sheriff in town
Maduro's supporters stage modest protest as Venezuelan govt courts US after regime's fall
Delcy Rodriguez emerges as Venezuela’s interim leader amid US tensions and upheaval - Telegraph India
Trump signs order blocking legal claims on Venezuelan oil revenue
Trump pushes oil giants for USD 100 billion in Venezuela despite industry’s reluctance
US Venezuela diplomatic thaw advances as Washington and Caracas explore embassy reopening - Telegraph India
Will Trump send troops to capture Putin?
Did US Use A ‘Mystery Weapon’ In Its Operation To Capture Venezuela’s Maduro?
US used mystery weapon during Maduro raid: 'Venezuelan soldiers bled from the nose, vomited blood'
Inside Nicolas Maduro's capture: Venezuelan forces bled from nose, vomited blood — security guard recounts sonic weapon
An Expert Explains: ‘US appears to be trying a deal with Delcy Rodríguez… have to see which way Venezuela military goes’
Maduro’s capture: two hours that shook the world