On January 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in an overnight military operation and flown out of Venezuela.
Key Details of the Operation
The Capture: The operation was carried out in the early hours of Saturday morning by the U.S. Army’s Delta Force. Maduro and his wife were seized from their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation in Caracas.
Military Strikes: The capture was part of a “large-scale strike” involving at least seven major explosions across Caracas and other states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Current Location: Maduro was initially taken to the USS Iwo Jima. He is being transported to New York Stewart International Airport in the Hudson Valley to be turned over to federal authorities.
Legal Charges: Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on narco-terrorism and weapons charges.
Immediate Aftermath
Nationwide Status: President Trump stated the U.S. will “run” Venezuela on a temporary basis until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” can occur.
Venezuelan Response: The Venezuelan government denounced the “military aggression” and declared a national emergency. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded “proof of life” for Maduro.
International Reaction:
Supporters: Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the operation.
Condemnations: Russia, Iran, Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil have condemned the strike as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Concerns: The European Union and UK have called for restraint and emphasized the importance of international law.