Key Facts
• January 3, 2026: Venezuelan President Maduro captured in Caracas military operation.
• Maduro transferred by plane to U.S., detained in New York facility.
• Trump states U.S. will “run” Venezuela until safe, wise transition possible.
• Photo shows Maduro handcuffed, blindfolded, with noise-cancelling gear during transfer.
• Maduro and wife to face U.S. trial for drug trafficking conspiracy.
• Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez named acting president, demands Maduro’s release.
• Rodriguez calls military action a violation of international law.
• Trump doubts Rodriguez’s legitimacy; Rubio contacted him.
• Trump dismisses opposition leader Machado, Nobel Peace Prize 2025 winner.
• U.S. to form “management team” to help establish new Venezuelan government.
• Trump warns of possible second, larger attack; denies U.S. troop deployment.
• Venezuela’s oil resources criticized as underexploited; U.S. oil firms to invest billions.
• International criticism: China condemns U.S. action as “barbaric”.
• UN Secretary-General Guterres expresses “deep concern” over escalation and legal violations.
Summary
On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured during a U.S. military operation in Caracas and transferred to a detention facility in New York. President Donald Trump justified the operation as delivering justice to a “lawless dictator,” emphasizing U.S. involvement until a stable transition occurs. Maduro and his wife face U.S. charges related to drug trafficking. Venezuela’s Vice President Rodríguez was appointed acting president, condemning the U.S. military action as illegal under international law and demanding Maduro’s release. Trump expressed skepticism about Rodríguez’s legitimacy and dismissed opposition leader Machado’s role. The U.S. plans to form a management team to assist in Venezuela’s political restructuring and warned of potential further military actions, while denying permanent troop presence. Trump highlighted Venezuela’s untapped oil wealth and U.S. companies’ plans to invest in infrastructure repair. The operation drew sharp international criticism, with China denouncing it as barbaric and the UN warning of dangerous precedents and regional instability due to violations of international law.
