Top Headlines

Feeds

U.S. Captures Maduro and Cilia Flores, Sends Them to New York for Drug Charges

Updated (3 articles)

Months‑long covert planning culminates in night raid U.S. forces rehearsed a replica of the presidential compound, studied Maduro’s routines, and waited for clear weather before launching Operation “Absolute Resolve” under cover of darkness on January 3, 2026, resulting in multiple explosions and reported civilian and military casualties in Caracas [1][2][3].

Maduro and Cilia Flores seized and flown to warship Elite units dragged the sleeping president and his wife from their bedroom, lifted them onto a helicopter, and transported them to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, where they are being taken to New York to face federal drug‑and‑weapons charges [1][2][3].

Trump frames capture as leadership and legal debate President Donald Trump announced the operation, pledged U.S. direction for Venezuela’s future, and acknowledged ongoing questions about the legality of the raid and the detainees’ status, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed casualties and hinted at possible dialogue [1][2].

Global leaders condemn or caution against the strike Brazil’s President Lula called the raid a violation of international law, China warned its citizens against travel to Venezuela, the United Kingdom denied involvement, and European officials urged de‑escalation and respect for sovereignty [3].

Sources

Timeline

Late 2025 – The United States maintains a visible naval presence off Venezuela’s coast and conducts strikes on alleged drug‑trafficking boats, while a CIA‑backed drone hits a cartel docking area, marking the first direct U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil in years [2].

December 2025 – U.S. planners launch secret “Operation Absolute Resolve,” rehearsing on a replica of the presidential compound and studying Nicolás Maduro’s daily routines (including his eating habits), though weather delays postpone the mission [1][3].

Jan 2‑3 2026 (overnight) – Special‑forces teams breach Maduro’s Caracas residence with massive blowtorches, trigger multiple explosions, and drag Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom; helicopters lift the couple to the USS Iwo Jima for transport [1][2][3].

Jan 3 2026 (morning) – President Donald Trump announces at a Florida news conference that Maduro and Flores will be flown to New York to face drug‑and‑weapons charges in Manhattan federal court and that the United States will direct Venezuela’s path until a new leader is chosen [1][2][3].

Jan 3 2026 (immediate aftermath) – Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reports civilian and military casualties, asserts constitutional succession, and leaves the door open for dialogue with the United States [2].

Jan 3 2026 (international reaction) – Brazilian President Lula condemns the strike as a violation of international law; China warns its citizens against travel to Venezuela; Britain denies involvement; European leaders call for de‑escalation and respect for sovereignty [1].

Jan 3 2026 (legal context) – U.S. officials acknowledge unresolved questions about the legality of the raid and the procedural pathway for prosecuting Maduro in U.S. courts [3].

Jan 3 2026 (future) – Maduro and Flores are scheduled to appear before a Manhattan federal judge on drug‑trafficking and illegal‑weapons charges [1].

Jan 2026 (future planning) – U.S. officials discuss establishing a transition government in Venezuela before upcoming elections, though public comment on the plan remains limited [1].

Jan 2026 (ongoing) – Venezuela’s foreign minister declares that Maduro remains president and that the constitution continues to govern despite the capture [1].

Social media (10 posts)

External resources (15 links)