In an unprecedented military operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been apprehended by U.S. forces and transported to New York City to face federal charges. The dramatic capture occurred following early Saturday airstrikes on Caracas that targeted key military installations, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to dismantle Maduro’s administration.
White House-released footage depicts the 63-year-old leftist leader handcuffed and wearing sandals while being escorted through a Manhattan DEA facility. Maduro, who has governed Venezuela for over a decade amid widespread allegations of electoral manipulation, was heard offering a subdued greeting in English: ‘Good night, happy new year.’
The operation involved approximately 150 aircraft providing support for commandos who extracted Maduro and his wife based on extensive intelligence regarding his personal routines. General Dan Caine confirmed the capture occurred without resistance and with no American casualties, though President Trump subsequently indicated ‘many’ Cuban security personnel had been killed during the intervention.
Venezuela’s political future remains uncertain as Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed acting presidential powers following a Supreme Court directive. Rodriguez has vehemently demanded Maduro’s immediate release while vowing to defend national sovereignty, despite Trump’s suggestion of potential cooperation with her administration.
The U.S. President openly acknowledged strategic economic interests behind the operation, stating American oil companies would invest billions to rehabilitate Venezuela’s crippled petroleum infrastructure. The country possesses approximately 17% of global oil reserves but currently produces under one million barrels daily due to systemic mismanagement.
International reactions reflect deep divisions. While exiled Venezuelans celebrated from Madrid to Miami, traditional U.S. allies including France and the EU joined China, Russia, and Iran in condemning the operation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound concern regarding potential violations of international law, with the Security Council scheduled to convene urgently to address the crisis.