Maduro Captured by US After Venezuela Strikes: What Happened, Global Reactions, Charges & What Comes Next

Introduction: A Shocking Turn in Global Politics

In a dramatic and unprecedented move, the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a large-scale military operation inside Venezuela. The mission, named Operation “Absolute Resolve”, involved air, sea, ground, space, and intelligence forces and ended with Maduro being flown to the United States, where he now faces serious criminal charges.

This event has shaken international politics, raised questions about international law, and created uncertainty about Venezuela’s future.

How Operation ‘Absolute Resolve’ Happened

According to US officials, the operation was planned for months and executed with extreme precision.

Key Timeline (Simplified)

• Jan 2, 22:46 ET – Donald Trump approves the mission
• 150 aircraft launched from 20 bases across the Western Hemisphere
• Jan 3, early hours – US forces raid Maduro’s compound
• Helicopters came under fire; one was hit but remained operational
• Maduro and his wife were captured and moved to USS Iwo Jima
• Later transferred via Guantanamo Bay to New York

The operation involved F-22, F-35, B-1 bombers, drones, helicopters, and naval forces, making it one of the most complex US missions in recent history.

Where Did the US Strike in Venezuela?

BBC Verify confirmed five major strike locations:

• La Carlota Air Base – Strategic military airport
• Fuerte Tiuna – One of Venezuela’s largest military complexes
• Port La Guaira – Main sea port near Caracas
• Higuerote Airport – Key regional airfield
• Antenas El Volcan – Telecommunications towers critical for communications

Satellite images show multiple buildings destroyed and smoke rising, confirming significant infrastructure damage.

Maduro’s Journey from Caracas to New York

After capture, Maduro’s movement was carefully controlled:

• Airlifted from Caracas

• Taken to USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean

• Transferred to Guantanamo Bay

• Flown to Stewart Air Force Base, New York

• Helicopter transfer into Manhattan

• Booked by the DEA

• Moved to Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Brooklyn

Total distance traveled: 2,100 miles (3,300 km)

Where Is Maduro Being Held Now?

Maduro is currently held at Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Brooklyn — a high-security federal jail known for holding high-profile inmates.

About MDC Brooklyn

• Only federal jail in New York City

• Known for harsh conditions

• Previously housed Ghislaine Maxwell, R. Kelly, and Sean “Diddy” Combs

• Has faced allegations of violence and poor medical care

The confinement status of Maduro’s wife remains unclear.

What Charges Does Maduro Face?

The US Attorney General confirmed multiple serious federal charges, including:

• Narco-terrorism conspiracy

• Importing cocaine into the US

• Possession of machine guns

• Possession of destructive devices

• Weapons conspiracy against the US

Maduro has denied leading a drug cartel in the past. His arraignment is expected soon in Manhattan federal court.

Who Is Leading Venezuela Now?

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, stating the move ensures:

• Administrative continuity

• National defense

• Government stability

However, this decision is not internationally recognized and may further deepen political divisions.

Reactions from Around the World

United Kingdom

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would “shed no tears” over Maduro’s fall but avoided commenting on legality.

Russia

Called Maduro the “legitimately elected president” and demanded his release.

China

Said it was “deeply shocked” and condemned the US for violating international law.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed”, warning this sets a dangerous global precedent.

An emergency UN Security Council meeting has been scheduled.

What Are Venezuelans Saying?

Reactions inside Venezuela are mixed:

• Some citizens celebrated, saying they now see “hope at the end of the tunnel”

• Others protested, calling the arrest a “kidnapping”

• Shops saw long queues as people stocked up on food and medicine

• Streets in Caracas remained mostly empty

On the Colombia–Venezuela border, people are waiting anxiously, fearing instability and violence.

Starlink Offers Free Internet to Venezuela

In a surprising development, Starlink (SpaceX) announced free broadband access for Venezuela until February 3.

This move aims to:

• Maintain communication

• Prevent information blackouts

• Support civilians during instability

What Does the US Say Happens Next?

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the mission as a “law enforcement exercise”, stating:

• “What happens next will be in the hands of Venezuelans”

• The US will “set the terms” moving forward

• US security and oil interests were also discussed openly

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Venezuela

The capture of Nicolás Maduro is a historic and controversial event that could reshape:

• Venezuela’s political future

• US-Latin America relations

• International law norms

Whether this leads to democracy and stability or chaos and conflict now depends on what happens next — both inside Venezuela and on the global stage.

FAQs

Q1. Is Maduro officially arrested in the US?
Yes, he has been indicted and is held in federal custody.

Q2. Did the US have UN approval?
No official UN authorization has been confirmed.

Q3. Who controls Venezuela now?
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is acting interim leader.

Q4. Can this lead to war?
Global tensions are high, but diplomacy is ongoing.