US Forces Capture Venezuelan President Maduro in Dramatic Operation
A swift and unprecedented military action saw the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Venezuela.
The United States executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela and successfully captured President Nicolás Maduro, according to an announcement made by President Donald Trump on Saturday via his Truth Social platform. This action represents the first time in over three decades the US has taken a Latin American leader into custody, and confirms reported military engagements within Venezuela.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote. Reports surfaced early Saturday detailing multiple explosions in Caracas and the presence of dozens of aircraft over the capital city.
Later, speaking to Fox News, President Trump revealed that Maduro and his wife were transported via helicopter and are currently en route to New York aboard a US vessel. He asserted that this move “sends a signal” demonstrating the US will not tolerate being challenged.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on X that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in a New York federal court, facing charges including conspiracy related to narco-terrorism. “They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi stated.
The White House has been increasing pressure on Maduro’s government in recent months, culminating in a “total blockade” of US-sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, as declared by Trump this week. He further indicated on Saturday that the US intends to play a “strongly involved” role in the future of Venezuela’s oil industry.
Washington has long accused Maduro of leading the “Cartel of the Suns,” a criminal organization allegedly involved in trafficking cocaine to the US. A $50 million reward was previously offered for information leading to his capture, reflecting the US government’s view of him as an illegitimate leader.
To address potential congressional concerns regarding the legality of the operation, which did not receive prior authorization from Capitol Hill, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been briefing lawmakers. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah posted on X, suggesting the capture “likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack.”
However, the move faced criticism from Democrats who questioned the lack of congressional approval. “Maduro is an illegitimate ruler but I have seen no evidence that his presidency poses a threat that would justify military action without Congressional authorization,” said Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, in a statement. He also expressed concern about the lack of a clear post-intervention strategy, questioning how the US would prevent Venezuela from descending into chaos.
President Trump announced a news conference scheduled for 11am EST at his Mar-a-Lago resort. The US president has previously threatened military strikes against targets within Venezuela, and the American military has engaged in attacks on boats in both the Caribbean and the Pacific. According to the Trump administration, approximately three dozen such boat strikes have been conducted, resulting in over 100 fatalities.
These actions have been accompanied by a significant build-up of US military forces in the Caribbean, including the deployment of America’s largest aircraft carrier. Last month, a US strike targeted a “dock area” within Venezuela. Maduro had previously characterized the US naval build-up as a pretext for his removal from power.
Videos circulating on social media Saturday morning depicted strikes occurring around 2am local time at Fuerte Tiuna, a military complex west of Caracas, and at La Carlota air base in the city’s center. Venevisión television reported empty streets in central Caracas, describing the city as calm and deserted, with no visible deployment of military forces or public protests.
The capture of Maduro marks the first instance of the US deposing a Latin American leader since the 1989 invasion of Panama, which resulted in the overthrow of dictator Manuel Noriega, also accused of drug trafficking. Noriega surrendered in early 1990.
The immediate leadership situation in Caracas remains unclear. Vice-president Delcy Rodríguez spoke by phone from an undisclosed location in a televised broadcast, while Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino appeared in separate video statements vowing resistance to the attack. Padrino labeled the US actions an “invasion” and a “flagrant violation of international law,” attributing them to “an insatiable greed for our strategic resources.”
President Trump indicated the US would consider backing Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, to assume leadership of the country. He also warned that Venezuelan officials remaining loyal to Maduro would face a “really bad” future.
The Venezuelan government has called on its supporters to take to the streets in response to the strikes, declaring a state of emergency and implementing all national defense plans.
International reactions have been swift. Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the US actions as an “act of armed aggression” and “deeply concerning,” deeming the justifications presented as untenable. Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, “strongly condemned” the attacks as a “cowardly” act against a nation that has not threatened the US or any other country. However, Argentina’s right-wing President Javier Milei congratulated the US on capturing Maduro, proclaiming “Freedom advances. Long live freedom, damnit!” on social media.
The European Union urged respect for international law and stated it was closely monitoring developments in Venezuela. “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition,” Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s top diplomat, wrote on X after speaking with Rubio. “Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.”
The impact on oil prices remains uncertain, as markets are currently closed until Monday morning in Asia. An analyst at MST Financial, Saul Kavonic, suggested that any conflict could lead to a jump in oil prices due to concerns about the potential disruption of roughly 800,000 barrels a day of Venezuelan oil exports. However, he also noted that a regime change could ultimately lead to increased exports, potentially reaching 3 million barrels a day, as sanctions are lifted and foreign investment returns.
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “safety-of-flight risks” due to “ongoing military activity.”
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The operation’s long-term consequences for Venezuela and the broader region remain to be seen, but the capture of Maduro undeniably marks a dramatic and potentially transformative moment in the country’s history.
