Archive · 8 Jan 2026
US Captures Maduro, Venezuela in Chaos
The US captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a surprise raid.
They were taken to New York to face drug charges.
Many people died in the raid, and Venezuela is now in chaos.
The US wants Venezuela to stop being friends with countries like Russia and Iran and to give them oil.
Spain and India are worried about the situation and want peace.
The US is now working with Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, to sell Venezuelan oil to the US.
Some people support the raid, while others think it was wrong and illegal.
The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a raid in Caracas, transporting them to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
At least 40 Venezuelans died in the operation, with no American casualties reported. The US estimates about 75 people were killed.
The US demands Venezuela sever ties with Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Hezbollah, provide preferred access to oil and critical minerals, and stop drug exports.
Spain and India have expressed concern over the raid, with Spain calling it illegal and a violation of international law, and India urging all parties to prioritize the well-being of the Venezuelan people.
Venezuela's vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed the presidency, and the US is working with her to sell 30-50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the US, valued at $1.65-$2.75 billion.
- Who
- US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Key figures include Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
- What
- A US raid captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, leading to a leadership vacuum and international condemnation.
- When
- The raid occurred on Saturday (specific date not mentioned). The next court date for Maduro and his wife is March 17.
- Where
- The raid took place in Venezuela, specifically in Caracas. Maduro and his wife are currently in a New York jail.
- Why
- The US aims to combat drug trafficking, promote democracy, and gain access to Venezuelan oil and critical minerals. The raid has been condemned by Venezuela and its allies as illegal and a violation of international law.
US and Allies
Venezuela and Allies
Legality of the Raid
US and Allies
The US justifies the raid as necessary to combat drug trafficking and promote democracy.
Venezuela and Allies
Venezuela and its allies, including Russia and China, condemn the raid as illegal and a violation of international law.
Future of Venezuela
US and Allies
The US aims to stabilize Venezuela by working with interim leaders and expelling foreign influences.
Venezuela and Allies
Venezuela's government and allies seek to maintain sovereignty and resist US intervention.
- Key Figures
- Pedro Sanchez, Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores, Donald Trump, Delcy Rodríguez, S Jaishankar, Maria Corina Machado, Diosdado Cabello
- Event
- US raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
- Casualties
- At least 40 Venezuelans killed (US estimate: about 75)
- US Objectives
- Change of behavior, access to energy resources, sever ties with Russia, Iran, Cuba, Hezbollah, stop drug exports
- Spanish Position
- Opposes the raid, considers it illegal and violates international law
- US Position
- Demands change in behavior, not regime change
- Interim Replacement
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Oil Deal
- 30-50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to be sold to the US, valued at $1.65-$2.75 billion
- Next Court Date
- March 17
Sources
"It's Not Regime Change, It's Regime Roulette": Ian Bremmer On US' Venezuela Op
Spain's Sanchez says US wants to grab Venezuela resources, sets dangerous precedent – ThePrint –
Trump says his voters loved the Venezuela attack -- here's what they really think
Trump announces plan to sell Venezuelan oil as US signals it is in talks with Caracas
'Money Will Be Controlled By Me': Donald Trump Says US To Get Up To 50 Million Barrels Of Oil Valued In Market At Over $2.70 Billion From Venezuela
S Jaishankar On India's Concern Over Venezuela Crisis And An Appeal
Trump Administration Demands Venezuela Expel Chinese, Russian, Cuban Spies
The curious case of Russia’s unease and muted response to Trump’s Maduro move in Venezuela
India’s message on Venezuela: ‘Stability, safety and dialogue come first’
Trump losing base in Europe over Maduro raid? From Orban to Farage, his fans unsettled, says report
US Hegemony, Not Maduro, Is Global Threat: Top US Economist To NDTV
US capture of Maduro echoes its operations in Iran, Iraq and Libya
Opinion | Decoding Venezuela Raid And Capture Of Maduro
'Kick Out China, Russia, Iran; Partner Only With US': Trump Issues Oil Ultimatum To Venezuela
US intervention in Venezuela was wrong – but now, a Japan-style rebuilding plan must unfold
Jungle law of might is right appears to be taking over: Shashi Tharoor on US capture of Maduro
