US Forces Capture Maduro and Spouse in Caracas The United States conducted a large‑scale strike on 4 January 2026, seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas and transporting them to New York for indictment on weapons‑trafficking and drug‑smuggling charges [1][2]. The operation also struck multiple military bases and was described by U.S. officials as targeting a “violent cocaine‑smuggling ring.” Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty, with Maduro claiming the charges are a pretext to depose him [1][2].

World Leaders Issue Condemnations and Cautious Statements Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva denounced the raid on 4 January as a breach of sovereign rights, warning of regional instability [2]. Argentina’s Javier Milei praised the action as a triumph of freedom, while former U.S. President Donald Trump pledged U.S. oversight of a “safe, proper, and judicious” transition [2]. The EU and UN called for a peaceful, legitimate transfer of power and warned that the precedent threatens international law [2]. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially expressed no sorrow over Maduro’s removal but later emphasized dialogue with U.S. counterparts and a focus on a peaceful transition [2].

UK Ministers Balance Moral Support with Legal Uncertainty Conservative Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch told the BBC on 6 January 2026 that, despite not understanding the legal basis, the U.S. action was “morally right” because Maduro’s regime was “brutal” [1]. She warned the operation “raises serious questions about the rules‑based order,” linking moral endorsement with concern over precedent [1]. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reminded U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of his obligations under international law, while the government refrained from openly condemning the raid [1].

Trump Promises Oversight as Interim Government Takes Power Following the capture, Donald Trump declared he would “run the country” until a “proper” transition occurred, and Venezuela’s Vice‑President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president [1]. The charging document alleges a catalogue of crimes, including kidnappings, beatings, and murders, attributed to Maduro’s network [1].