Archive · 7 Jan 2026
US Captures Maduro, Uses Growler Jets
The US captured Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, and took him to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is about 800 km from Venezuela and was an important place for the US military in this operation.
The US had been sending fighter jets, drones, and other military equipment to Puerto Rico.
There were also many strikes on boats coming from Venezuela, which the US said were carrying drugs.
After his capture, Maduro was taken to a former Air Force base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
A photo of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed, holding a bottle of Puerto Rican water, was shared by US President Donald Trump.
This capture has caused tension between the US and Colombia.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro defiantly challenged Trump, saying, 'Come get me, I am waiting for you,' in response to Trump's threats.
The US accused Colombia's government of involvement with drug trafficking, which Colombia denies.
Despite the tension, Colombian officials say they will still work with the US to combat drug trafficking.
The US used special jets called EA-18G Growlers to disrupt Venezuela's air defences.
These jets don't drop bombs but instead jam radar and communications, making it hard for the enemy to defend themselves.
The Growlers played a big role in the quick success of the operation.
Nicolás Maduro was captured by US forces and taken to Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico served as a hub for US military operations against Venezuela.
The US deployed fighter jets, drones, and other military equipment to Puerto Rico.
There were at least 35 strikes on boats accused of carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in over 100 deaths.
Tensions escalated between the US and Colombia, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro defiantly challenging US President Donald Trump.
- Who
- Nicolás Maduro, US forces, Donald Trump, Gustavo Petro
- What
- Capture of Nicolás Maduro, escalating tensions between the US and Colombia, use of EA-18G Growler jets in electronic warfare
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned), September 2025 onward
- Where
- Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Caribbean
- Why
- To capture Nicolás Maduro, intensify pressure on Venezuela, and respond to US accusations against Colombia
US and Allies
Colombia and Venezuela
US Military Action in Venezuela
US and Allies
The US justifies its military intervention in Venezuela as necessary to capture Nicolás Maduro and combat drug trafficking, citing national security interests.
Colombia and Venezuela
Colombia and Venezuela condemn the US intervention as a violation of sovereignty and an aggressive act that destabilizes the region.
US Threats Against Colombia
US and Allies
The US accuses Colombia's government of involvement in drug trafficking and threatens military action, framing it as a response to regional security threats.
Colombia and Venezuela
Colombia denies the accusations and defiantly challenges the US, asserting its sovereignty and rejecting US threats.
- Location
- Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia
- Distance from Venezuela
- 800 km
- US Military Hardware
- Fighter jets, drones, military equipment
- Operation Name
- Operation Southern Spear
- US Troops Deployed
- 12,000
- Strikes on Boats
- 35
- Deaths from Strikes
- Over 100
- Colombian President
- Gustavo Petro
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Aircraft Used
- EA-18G Growler, F-22, F-35, F-18, B-1, Drones
- Venezuela's Air Defence
- S-300 missile systems
- Growler Crew
- 1 pilot, 1 specialist
- Growler Speed
- Over 1,300 mph
- Growler Cost
- $67 million per unit
Sources
Nicolas Maduro's Capture Has A Puerto Rico Angle
Before petroleum, there was bird poop: How US brought a law and Spain went to war in South America for bird droppings
Come, Get Me: Colombia’s Petro Fires Back at Trump
Implications of Maduro’s extraction
Maduro gone, tactics remain: Venezuela sees detentions, intimidation under Delcy Rodriguez
Before Maduro raid, US tricked Venezuelan air defence operators into revealing their locations
How US Growler jets jammed Venezuela’s radars during the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro
How did US ‘invisible’ waves blind Venezuela’s air defences? All about EA-18G Growler jets
