U.S. Forces Detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro During Operation in Caracas

On January 3, 2026, U.S. military forces conducted an operation in Caracas that resulted in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation followed long-standing U.S. indictments against Maduro related to drug trafficking and corruption.

Venezuelan authorities and several foreign governments described the action as a kidnapping and a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty. The United States stated that the detention was a lawful enforcement action based on existing criminal charges.

The incident triggered emergency diplomatic responses, including calls for United Nations Security Council discussions, and renewed debate over the legality of extraterritorial arrests, use of force, and state sovereignty under international law.

Maduro was known to speak out about Israel lately and standing with Palestine