US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Military Operation – Transferred to New York Detention Center

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by U.S. special forces in a large-scale military operation codenamed “Operation Absolute Resolve” and transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York.

(Sources: MNK news)

Maduro faces federal charges of narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons violations in the Southern District of New York, with an arraignment expected as early as Monday, January 5. President Donald Trump confirmed the raid on January 3, stating the U.S. will “run” Venezuela temporarily to ensure a “safe, proper, and judicious transition.” The operation involved over 150 aircraft, airstrikes on Caracas military sites, and no U.S. fatalities, though six personnel were injured. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a national state of emergency, calling the capture an “illegal kidnapping,” while UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed “serious concern” over international law violations.

How the Capture Unfolded: Timeline from Reports

• January 3, Early Hours (VET): U.S. airstrikes hit targets in Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna military base and air defenses, using 150+ aircraft from regional bases. Explosions reported across northern Venezuela; at least 40 deaths (civilians and soldiers) per Venezuelan officials.
• ~1-2 AM ET: Delta Force raided Maduro’s compound; CIA intelligence tracked his movements, diet, and even pets. Maduro and Flores captured attempting to flee.
• Transfer Path: Helicopter to USS Iwo Jima (Caribbean); plane via Guantánamo Bay to Stewart Air National Guard Base (NY); helicopter to Manhattan DEA office for processing; motorcade to MDC Brooklyn.
• Trump Announcement: 4:21 AM ET Truth Social post with photo of Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima.

Trump justified the strike as enforcement against Maduro’s alleged “narco-terrorist” regime, indicted since 2020 for cocaine trafficking with FARC guerrillas.

Reactions: Celebration in Venezuela, Global Condemnation

• Venezuelans: Widespread celebrations in Caracas, Miami, and NYC Venezuelan communities; many view Maduro as a dictator responsible for hyperinflation and repression.
• Venezuela Government: VP Rodríguez insists Maduro is the “only president”; rally calls for unity; arrest warrant issued for opposition figures.
• International:
  • Russia/China/Iran: “Illegal aggression” violating sovereignty.
  • Qatar: “Deep concern,” calls for dialogue.
  • Colombia/Argentina: Tighten stances against Maduro allies.
  • UN Security Council: Emergency meeting Monday.
• U.S. Politics: Bipartisan praise (e.g., Speaker Johnson, Sen. Cotton) for justice; Dems like Sen. Kaine call it “unconstitutional.”

Why Now? Context and Motives

• Pressure Campaign: Months of U.S. naval buildup, boat strikes on alleged drug vessels, $50M bounty on Maduro.
• Charges: 2020 SDNY indictment for narco-terrorism; Maduro labeled foreign terrorist.
• Geopolitical: Venezuela’s ties to Russia (military aid), China (debt/oil), Iran (fuel); U.S. Monroe Doctrine revival.
• Oil Narrative: World’s largest reserves (~303B barrels), but high extraction/refining costs ($12–$30/barrel vs. Saudi $3–$8) make it uneconomical. Trump emphasizes drug trafficking over resources.

Casualties: Venezuela claims 40+ dead; U.S. reports no fatalities, minor injuries.

Economic and Market Impact

• Oil: Prices dipped 2–5% initially; no sustained supply disruption expected.
• Crypto: BTC minor dip (priced in quickly); no panic as event contained.
• Global: Eases EM debt pressures; potential U.S. oil firms (Chevron) resume under new interim leadership.

What’s Next? Legal, Political Ramifications

• Maduro’s Trial: Monday arraignment in Manhattan; held at MDC Brooklyn (former inmates: El Chapo, Diddy).
• Venezuela Transition: Rodríguez interim president; Trump promises U.S. oversight until “judicious” handover.
• Legal Challenges: Questions on congressional approval, international law; precedents like Noriega (1989).
• Regional: Warnings to Colombia, Mexico, Cuba; multipolar “spheres of influence” dynamics.

Trump hailed it as a “stunning display of American military might,” crediting Delta Force and CIA.

In summary, on January 3, 2026, U.S. forces captured Maduro in Caracas airstrikes and flew him to New York for drug charges, with Trump declaring temporary U.S. control. Amid celebrations in Venezuela and global backlash, the raid—killing 40+—raises sovereignty questions but appears a swift regime pressure outcome. UN meets Monday; watch trial and transition.