In a dramatic escalation of long-running tensions, the Donald Trump-led United States administration carried out a rapid military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, capturing President Nicol&aacute;s Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The surprise action, which involved strikes on Caracas and other locations, has triggered global debate over whether the move represents law enforcement or outright intervention driven by Venezuela&rsquo;s vast oil reserves.
Following the operation, Maduro was flown out of Venezuela, leaving the country and the international community stunned. Trump later announced that the United States would temporarily oversee Venezuela until a transition of power is established, a statement that immediately drew sharp criticism worldwide.
<h4 dir="ltr">How the crisis unfolded</h4>
Relations between Washington and Caracas have remained strained for years, largely due to US allegations linking Maduro&rsquo;s government to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism networks. The situation intensified on Saturday when reports emerged of explosions and low-flying military aircraft over the Venezuelan capital and other cities.
Hours later, Trump confirmed that the United States had conducted large-scale strikes and detained Maduro and his wife. The operation reportedly involved coordinated action between the US military and law enforcement agencies.
<h4 dir="ltr">Capture and transfer to the US</h4>
According to official accounts, Maduro and Flores were first moved to a US Navy vessel stationed offshore before being flown to the United States. Visuals later showed the aircraft landing near New York, followed by a heavily guarded transfer to a federal detention facility.
US authorities subsequently released images confirming Maduro&rsquo;s custody aboard a US warship, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the operation.
<h4 dir="ltr">Charges against Maduro</h4>
US prosecutors have charged Maduro, along with his wife, son and associates, with multiple offences. These include conspiracy related to narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of prohibited weapons. Investigators allege that senior Venezuelan officials collaborated with major international drug cartels, using state protection in exchange for financial gains.
<h4 dir="ltr">US plans for Venezuela</h4>
Trump stated that the United States would temporarily manage Venezuela&rsquo;s administration to ensure stability during a transition period. He also highlighted plans for American oil companies to enter Venezuela and rehabilitate its failing energy infrastructure.
Critics argue that this emphasis on oil weakens Washington&rsquo;s claim that the operation was solely about combating drug trafficking, pointing instead to strategic and economic interests.
<h4 dir="ltr">Venezuela&rsquo;s response and global reaction</h4>
In response to Maduro&rsquo;s detention, Venezuela&rsquo;s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodr&iacute;guez to assume the role of acting president to maintain administrative continuity.
The operation has drawn strong international reactions. The United Nations expressed concern over violations of international law, while China and Russia condemned the use of force against a sovereign nation, calling the action aggressive and unjustified.
As tensions continue to rise, the future of Venezuela&rsquo;s leadership and sovereignty remains uncertain, with global powers closely watching the unfolding crisis

Shock US military action detains Maduro, ignites global outrage and oil debate

US Captures Venezuela President Maduro

Shock US military action detains Maduro, ignites global outrage and oil debate

January 4, 2026 | 11:17 IST