Archive · 5 Jan 2026
US Captures Maduro in Venezuela
Early on Saturday morning, the United States carried out a military operation in Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Multiple explosions were reported in the city, and power outages occurred in some areas.
The US claims the operation was to capture Maduro on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Maduro's government condemns the action as an illegal act of aggression and a violation of international law.
The US has been conducting military operations in the region, targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats.
Maduro had previously expressed openness to cooperating with the US on drug trafficking and oil investment.
The situation has sparked international concern and debate over the legality and motives behind the US action.
US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
Multiple explosions and power outages were reported in Caracas during the operation.
The US justifies the operation as necessary to combat drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, alleging Maduro's involvement in these activities.
Venezuela condemns the US action as an illegal act of aggression, violating international law and sovereignty.
Maduro faces charges of Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
- Who
- US forces, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, US President Donald Trump, US Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Senator Mike Lee, Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado
- What
- US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, amid explosions and airstrikes in Caracas
- When
- Early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Why
- US alleges Maduro's involvement in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking; Venezuela condemns the action as an illegal act of aggression
US Government
Venezuelan Government
Legitimacy of the Operation
US Government
The US government justifies the operation as necessary to combat drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, alleging that Maduro's government is involved in these activities.
Venezuelan Government
The Venezuelan government condemns the US action as an illegal act of aggression, violating international law and sovereignty.
Motives Behind the Operation
US Government
The US claims the operation is aimed at holding Maduro accountable for alleged criminal activities, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Venezuelan Government
Venezuela accuses the US of seeking to overthrow the government to gain control of the country's vast oil reserves and resources.
International Law and Sovereignty
US Government
The US argues that its actions are justified under its domestic laws and the need to protect national security.
Venezuelan Government
Venezuela and its supporters argue that the US action is a violation of international law and the sovereignty of a nation.
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Time of Incident
- Early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Number of Explosions
- At least seven
- Affected Area
- Southern Caracas, near a major military base
- Power Outage
- Yes, in the southern area
- US Military Strikes
- More than 30 strikes, at least 107 deaths
- US Justification
- Targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats and facilities
- Maduro's Stance
- Open to cooperation with the US on drug trafficking and oil investment
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Venezuelan President
- Nicolás Maduro
- Charges Against Maduro
- Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States
- US Attorney General
- Pamela Bondi
- Venezuelan Vice President
- Delcy Rodríguez
- Venezuelan Defence Minister
- Vladimir Padrino Lopez
- Venezuelan Interior Minister
- Diosdado Cabello
- US Secretary of State
- Marco Rubio
- US Senator
- Mike Lee
- Venezuelan Opposition Leader
- Maria Corina Machado
- Venezuelan State-Run Energy Company
- PDVSA
- Venezuelan Oil Production in 2025
- 1.14 million barrels per day
- India's Oil Imports from Venezuela in 2024
- Roughly 63,000 – 100,000 barrels per day
- Cartel de los Soles
- Alleged narco-terrorist organization led by Maduro
- Reward for Maduro's Capture
- Up to $50 million
Sources
Venezuela Open To Negotiation With US To Combat Drug Trafficking: President Maduro
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Maduro's Last Meeting Before Being Captured By USA Caught On Camera | WATCH
What Venezuela's Maduro Said About US In His Last Interview Before Capture
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CPI(M) condemns US ‘abduction’ of Venezuelan President Maduro, calls it ‘naked aggression’
UK’s Starmer says Britain was not involved in US strikes on Venezuela
Nicolás Maduro charged with Narco-Terrorism, possession of machine guns and others, says U.S. Attorney General Bondi
'We Will Fight To Win': Venezuela Refuses To Surrender After President Maduro Captured By US
Marco Rubio confirms Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in US custody to face trial on criminal charges
Maduro To Face Drug And Terror Charges, Announces US Hours After His Capture
Explainer: Why U.S. Attacked Venezuela and What It Means
Venezuela Demands US Provide Proof Of Life Of Maduro
US captures Maduro in Venezuela: What it means for global oil prices and impact on India’s crude imports
Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, wife Cilia Flores to face trial in US, indicted in New York's Southern District
Cartel de los Soles: Why US designated it as terrorist organisation and court charged Maduro with narco-terrorism?
10 lesser-known facts about Venezuela as Trump announces capture of President Nicolas Maduro
'Pulled From Their Bed': How US Forces Captured Maduro and His Wife In 30-Minute Operation - Where Are They Now?
‘Beijing And Venezuela United’: Maduro Met Chinese Envoy Hours Before US Attack
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"Legitimate": Italy PM Giorgia Meloni On US Military Action In Venezuela
What China Said After US Forces Captured Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro
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Operation Absolute Resolve: From F-22s to B-1 Bombers — Dan Caine details firepower used in Venezuela mission
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