Nicolás Maduro Captured: What We Know So Far

Tue Feb 03 2026 07:01:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. forces have captured Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Venezuela, with significant geopolitical ramifications.

Nicolás Maduro, the controversial president of Venezuela, has been captured by U.S. forces in a military operation that has escalated tensions between the two nations. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the capture and outlined the charges against Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, involving drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government has demanded proof of life and declared a national emergency as explosions were reported across the capital. Key allies of Venezuela have condemned the U.S. actions as violations of sovereignty, while Trump touts the operation as a successful strike against narco-terrorism.

Nicolás Maduro Captured: What We Know So Far

The U.S. has captured Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro after a large scale strike on the South American country, U.S. President Donald Trump has said.

Trump reported that Maduro and his wife were taken from a heavily fortified residence in a coordinated military operation in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.

They face charges of drug trafficking and weapons offenses in New York. This operation followed a series of explosions reported across various locations in Caracas, including military bases.

Details of the Operation

According to U.S. military sources, the operation was executed by Delta Force, the elite counter-terrorism unit. Trump described the setting as a fortified 'house' and stated that the extraction was carried out with minimal casualties on the U.S. side.

Maduro and Cilia Flores were reportedly on a ship bound for New York City at the time of their capture. Trump has indicated that further details will be revealed in a news conference scheduled at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

In the wake of the capture, Venezuelan authorities have demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, amidst a national emergency declaration and troop mobilization.

U.S. Justification and Reaction

Trump has labeled the operation as a response to Maduro's alleged involvement in drug-smuggling and corruption. The U.S. has accused Maduro of leading a narco-terrorism operation while asserting the need to restore order and legality.

Responses from Venezuela have been aggressive; officials have condemned the actions as a violation of sovereignty, with claims of civilian casualties amidst military strikes on several sites across Caracas.

International Responses

Countries including Russia, China, and Iran have condemned the U.S. actions, framing them as acts of aggression. Furthermore, allies in the region have voiced strong criticism, emphasizing the need for dialogue over violence.

Background on Nicolás Maduro

Nicolás Maduro has been a divisive figure in Venezuelan politics since succeeding Hugo Chávez in 2013. Alleged electoral manipulations and accusations of drug trafficking have marked his tenure as ruler.

The First Lady: Cilia Flores

Cilia Flores, an influential political figure herself, has served in various high-ranking roles within Venezuela and is also facing extradition along with her husband.

As more details unfold regarding this high-profile capture, the implications for Venezuelan governance and U.S.-Latin America relations will be watched closely.