What’s Really Happening in Venezuela — And Why the U.S. Arrested Its President was captured

In a shocking turn of events in early January 2026, global attention turned to Venezuela after the United States launched a major military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This marked one of the most dramatic foreign interventions in recent history — a sitting head of state was seized during a raid inside his own country and flown to the United States.

The U.S. government, under then-President Donald Trump, justified its actions by pointing to long-standing accusations against Maduro and his inner circle. For years, U.S. authorities charged Maduro with serious crimes, including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and corruption — even offering a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to his arrest. These allegations stem from claims that high-ranking officials in Venezuela colluded with major drug cartels to ship cocaine into the United States.

According to U.S. officials, specially trained military units carried out strikes on key Venezuelan targets before seizing Maduro and his wife. President Trump publicly stated that the United States would temporarily “run Venezuela” to ensure a peaceful transition of power and rebuild stability within the country, including its vital oil sector.

The intervention set off intense global debate. Venezuelan authorities denounced the capture as a blatant violation of sovereignty, calling it an illegal “kidnapping,” while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez claimed Maduro remained the legitimate president.

World leaders reacted strongly. Some countries condemned the U.S. move as a breach of international law, while others urged a peaceful political transition. Major powers like China openly criticized the operation, warning it undermined global norms.

Inside Venezuela, the situation sparked both fear and uncertainty. While some opposition figures hailed Maduro’s removal as a chance for democratic reform, others worried about the stability of the nation and the path ahead. Amid these tensions, the world watched closely as Venezuela entered an uncharted chapter in its tumultuous political history.