U.S. Captures Maduro, Indicts Him and Wife in Narco‑Terrorism Plot
Updated (3 articles)
Nighttime raid seizes Venezuela’s president and first lady The United States conducted a rapid, under‑30‑minute operation on the night of Jan. 3, 2026, storming President Nicolás Maduro’s residence inside the Fort Tiuna military complex in Caracas and extracting both Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores [1][2][3]. Explosions rocked the capital as U.S. forces secured the pair and transferred them to a warship bound for the United States [1][2][3]. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life, indicating uncertainty about the leaders’ whereabouts [2].
Narco‑terrorism indictment targets Maduro, Flores in New York court U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi unsealed a New York indictment charging Maduro and Flores with leading a narco‑terrorism conspiracy that funneled up to 250 tons of cocaine through Venezuela by 2020 [1][2][3]. The complaint alleges the couple protected drug traffickers and used state resources to enrich the political and military elite [3]. Bondi pledged that the duo will face “full wrath of American justice” on U.S. soil [1][2].
Global bodies condemn the strike and warn of precedent The United Nations expressed deep alarm, warning that the U.S. raid could set a dangerous precedent and urging respect for human rights and the rule of law [1][2][3]. China’s foreign ministry labeled the operation a violation of international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, calling for dialogue instead of unilateral force [1][2][3]. Russia described the action as armed aggression, joining calls for diplomatic resolution [2].
U.S. domestic measures tighten travel and airspace amid crisis The Federal Aviation Administration imposed a temporary airspace restriction around Puerto Rico’s international airport, suspending most U.S.-operated flights while allowing foreign and military traffic [1][2][3]. The State Department issued a travel advisory urging Americans in Venezuela to shelter in place [2]. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will determine Venezuela’s next steps, emphasizing an active American role in the region’s future [1].
Sources
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1.
AP: US captures Maduro, indicts him and wife in narco-terrorism conspiracy after overnight strikes in Venezuela: details the overnight raid, Bondi’s indictment announcement, UN and China reactions, FAA airspace limits, and Trump’s pledge to shape Venezuela’s future .
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2.
AP: U.S. captures Maduro, flies him out in nighttime operation as DOJ issues new narco-terrorism indictment: emphasizes the nighttime extraction, indictment specifics, UN/China/Russia condemnations, travel advisory, and VP Delcy Rodríguez’s demand for proof of life .
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3.
AP: DOJ releases new narco-terrorism indictment against Maduro and wife after nighttime capture: focuses on the rapid capture, indictment’s drug‑trafficking figures, Bondi’s court promises, international criticism, and FAA airspace restrictions .
Timeline
2020 – The indictment alleges that up to 250 tons of cocaine flow through Venezuela, linking the Maduro regime to a large‑scale narco‑terrorism network that enriches political and military elites[2].
Jan 2‑3, 2026 (overnight) – U.S. forces launch a rapid nighttime raid on Fort Tiuna in Caracas, breaching the installation, detonating explosives, and seizing President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores within 30 minutes before loading them onto a U.S. warship for transport out of Venezuela[3][1].
Jan 3, 2026 – The Department of Justice unseals a New York indictment charging Maduro and Flores with leading a narco‑terrorism conspiracy, citing partnerships with violent traffickers and the 250‑ton cocaine flow documented through 2020[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that the couple will face charges in New York courts, pledging that “they will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil”[1][2].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that the United States will determine Venezuela’s next steps, declares U.S. involvement in shaping the nation’s future, and schedules a news conference to outline the plan[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – The United Nations issues a statement saying it is “deeply alarmed” by the U.S. strike and detention, warning that the action sets a dangerous precedent and urging all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law[1][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – China’s Foreign Ministry condemns the operation as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, urging the United States to respect the UN Charter and halt destabilizing actions[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – Russia labels the raid “armed aggression,” calls for dialogue, and joins calls for restraint[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – The Federal Aviation Administration imposes a temporary airspace restriction around Puerto Rico’s international airport, suspending most U.S. commercial flights amid security concerns linked to the Venezuelan operation[1][2].
Jan 3, 2026 – The State Department urges Americans in Venezuela to shelter in place, while Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands proof of life for Maduro and Flores, highlighting uncertainty over the nation’s leadership[2][3].
Future (post‑capture) – The United States plans to hold a news conference to detail its strategy for Venezuela and to proceed with the New York trial of Maduro and Flores, signaling a prolonged legal and political campaign against the former regime[1][2].