In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured by United States special forces and flown to the US to face criminal trial. The operation, which took place on the morning of Saturday 3rd January 2026, marks an unprecedented move in international relations.
Operation and Official Statements
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Maduro would now stand trial, most probably on charges related to drug trafficking. The mission was carried out by members of Delta Force, the US military's elite special mission unit.
Republican Senator Mike Lee from Washington stated on social media that Secretary Rubio had informed him of the arrest. Lee quoted Rubio as saying the "kinetic action" was necessary to protect personnel executing the warrant. Rubio himself has long been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan leader, previously labelling him the head of the "Cartel de Los Soles," a narco-terrorist organisation, and asserting that Maduro's regime lacks legitimacy.
International Reaction and Condemnation
The news has triggered swift responses from global leaders. The European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed she had spoken with Rubio, reiterating the EU's position that Maduro is not a legitimate leader but stressing that international law must be upheld.
Russia issued a strong condemnation, calling the US action an "act of armed aggression" driven by "ideological hostility." Other nations, including Trinidad and Tobago, moved quickly to distance themselves from the operation, with Port of Spain denying any involvement despite previous anti-drug cooperation with the US.
European leaders like Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Spain's Pedro Sanchez expressed concern, with Sanchez calling for "de-escalation and responsibility."
Venezuela's Response and Fallout
In the wake of the raid, Venezuela's Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino Lopez, vowed that the nation would resist any foreign military presence. He claimed US strikes had hit civilian areas and the Fort Tiuna military installation in the capital, Caracas. The government is currently assessing casualties.
With Maduro's whereabouts initially unknown to his own government, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded "proof of life." Venezuela has also called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what it views as a gross violation of its sovereignty.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for significant diplomatic and geopolitical repercussions following this extraordinary military and judicial intervention by the United States.
