CARACAS, Venezuela — U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a large-scale military operation on January 3, 2026. The pre-dawn raid involved coordinated strikes across several regions of the country, including the capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua.

After the capture, U.S. forces took the couple out of Venezuela. They are currently being transported by ship and helicopter to face federal charges in a New York City court. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the pair will stand trial in the United States.

Federal Allegations and Legal Proceedings

Federal prosecutors allege that Maduro led the "Cartel of the Suns," a network made up of senior Venezuelan military and government officials. In the formal charges, or indictment, prosecutors say the group moved cocaine in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Investigators claim the organization worked with Colombian rebel leaders to ship illegal drugs to the United States and Europe as a weapon against the American public.

Maduro faces charges for smuggling drugs into the U.S., on top of previous accusations that he used drug profits to support terrorism. While Maduro has denied all allegations in the past, he now faces a potential long-term prison sentence if convicted.

Maduro’s arrest follows the earlier imprisonment of two other former Venezuelan military leaders, Hugo Carvajal and Clíver Alcalá. Both are currently in U.S. custody after pleading guilty to drug smuggling. The U.S. government is still offering multi-million dollar rewards for other top officials, including $25 million for Diosdado Cabello and $15 million for General Vladimir Padrino.

Military Operation Details

The January 3 military strikes used low-flying aircraft to hit political and military sites, resulting in numerous explosions. Witnesses in Caracas reported heavy smoke over the city following the strikes. U.S. officials stated that no American troops were killed during the operation, though some were injured.

After the strikes, the Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency. Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez called for the country’s citizens to take up arms and resist the U.S. military action. She also requested "proof of life" to confirm that Maduro is still alive.

International Response

The operation has divided world leaders. Officials in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia condemned the military action as a violation of Venezuela’s independence and international law. Colombian President Gustavo Petro strengthened security at the border and requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council.

On the other hand, Argentine President Javier Milei expressed support for the capture. The Russian and Cuban governments criticized the mission as a military attack. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the United Kingdom played no role in the strikes.

Future Leadership and Global Context

U.S. President Donald Trump said the administration may recognize opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as the new head of the Venezuelan government.

The mission in Venezuela comes during a period of high global tension. Just days earlier, the administration also issued a warning to the Iranian government that the U.S. is prepared to act if that country uses force against its own protesters.