Archive · 5 Jan 2026
US Captures Venezuelan President Maduro
The United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 4.
The capture was justified by allegations of drug trafficking and a desire to promote democracy in Venezuela.
However, the move sparked international condemnation and protests, with China and Pakistan criticizing the capture as a violation of international law and sovereignty.
The Venezuelan government remained in charge, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez taking over as interim leader.
The US intervention has raised questions about the legality of seizing a foreign head of state and the motives behind the capture.
Meanwhile, China and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and sovereignty, and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, with protests and demonstrations expected in the coming days.
US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 4, sparking international condemnation and protests.
China and Pakistan criticized the move as a violation of international law and sovereignty, and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The Venezuelan government remained in charge, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez taking over as interim leader.
The US intervention has raised questions about the legality of seizing a foreign head of state and the motives behind the capture.
Protests and demonstrations are expected in the coming days, with the situation in Venezuela remaining uncertain.
- Who
- US forces, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, and her ally Edmundo Gonzalez
- What
- US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, sparking international condemnation and protests, while China and Pakistan criticized the move and reaffirmed their commitment to sovereignty and the UN Charter
- When
- January 4
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela; New York, USA; Beijing, China; Islamabad, Pakistan
- Why
- The US capture of Maduro was justified by allegations of drug trafficking and a desire to promote democracy in Venezuela, while China and Pakistan criticized the move as a violation of international law and sovereignty, and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis
Pro-Maduro
Pro-US Intervention
Legality of Capture
Pro-Maduro
The capture is illegal and violates international law, as it involves the seizure of a foreign head of state without due process.
Pro-US Intervention
The capture is justified due to Maduro's alleged involvement in drug trafficking and other criminal activities, and it is necessary to restore democracy in Venezuela.
US Motives
Pro-Maduro
The US is motivated by a desire to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves and assert dominance in the region, rather than by a genuine concern for democracy.
Pro-US Intervention
The US is acting to promote democracy and stability in Venezuela, and to protect its own national security interests from the threats posed by Maduro's regime.
Future of Venezuela
Pro-Maduro
The US intervention will lead to further instability and suffering for the Venezuelan people, and will set a dangerous precedent for other countries in the region.
Pro-US Intervention
The US intervention will pave the way for a more democratic and prosperous future for Venezuela, and will send a strong message to other authoritarian regimes in the region.
- Countries Involved
- United States, Venezuela, China, Pakistan, Russia, India
- Key Figures
- Nicolas Maduro, Cilia Flores, Donald Trump, Delcy Rodriguez, Wang Yi, Ishaq Dar, Maria Corina Machado, Edmundo Gonzalez
- Event
- US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela; New York, USA; Beijing, China; Islamabad, Pakistan
- Date
- January 4
- Dialogue Round
- 7th round of China-Pakistan strategic dialogue
- Anniversary
- 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations
- Key Principle
- One-China principle, UN Charter, Sovereignty and self-determination
Sources
Chinese FM Wang slams US capture of Maduro in talks with Pak Dy PM Dar
Venezuela’s interim government says it is united behind Maduro after his U.S. capture
Syed Ata Hasnain | Venezuela And The Return Of Strategic Enforcement
Left Calls For Nationwide Protest Over US Move In Venezuela
US forces capture Venezuelan Prez Nicolas Madura, protests erupt in Pakistan
Trump warns Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodríguez in magazine interview
China says it cannot accept countries acting as ‘world judge’ after US captures Maduro
Wary of Trump, India chooses caution: Delhi’s response to US move in Venezuela echoes Russia–Ukraine stance
Letters to the editor: China’s ban on Japanese scallops hurts common people, not politicians
Can't Accept Countries Acting As 'World Judge': China As US Captures Maduro
Bullying increasingly severe: China on Maduro capture
China criticises US on capture of Venezuela President Maduro: ‘No country can act as world’s judge’
No country is an international judge, says China amid Maduro capture by US
Venezuela's new Acting President Delcy Rodriguez shifts defiant tone, invites US to collaborate — 10 points
'We’re at war against drug trafficking, not Venezuela': Rubio defends US military Operation against Maduro
Venezuela Updates: "It Could Be Against Any State Tomorrow," Says Venezuela On US Strikes
Why Did China Warn US Against Acting As 'World's Police' And 'World's Judge'? Find Out..
China's Xi Takes Veiled "Bullying" Dig At US After Venezuela Power Grab
Venezuela’s interim president offers US cooperation after Trump says further strike possible
US capture of Maduro tests limits of China’s diplomatic push
‘Illegal act’: Iran slams capture of Maduro, vows ties with Venezuela remain unchanged
Exiled Activist On Venezuela's Future And Relevance Of Nobel Laureate Machado
'He could have left Venezuela': Rubio discloses last minute US offer to Maduro
Cuba is ready to fall, says Trump
Maduro's Nike Tracksuit Sold Out Hours After His Handcuffed Pics Go Viral
Venezuela crisis unlikely to have major impact on gold, silver and oil prices: Experts
Maduro’s capture has a China fallout: A blow to its influence in the region, and a signal on Taiwan
Is nuclear deterrence the ultimate shield of sovereignty? Why North Korea is untouchable while Venezuela was attacked by the US
US won’t govern Venezuela but press for changes through oil blockade, says Washington
Beyond Drugs And Gangs? Why US Capture Of Maduro Has Sparked Debate Over Venezuela's Oil
