The Capture of Nicolás Maduro: A Tense US Operation

Mon Jan 05 2026 15:50:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An unprecedented covert military operation led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, ushering in a new chapter of US-Venezuela relations as he faces serious charges in New York.

The US military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores involved meticulous planning and was executed within a rapid timeframe, culminating in their arrest at a military complex in Caracas. Captured while attempting to escape into a fortified room, they are now detained in New York, facing charges including drug trafficking. The operation, dubbed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' showcased the high stakes involved in US foreign interventions in Latin America.

The Capture of Nicolás Maduro: A Tense US Operation

Tiffany WertheimerandBBC Visual Journalism team

45 minutes ago

The US military's 'Operation Absolute Resolve', aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, was initiated with a precision that lasted about 150 minutes. The operation, launched in the early hours of Saturday, culminated in the arrest of both Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores as they attempted to seek refuge in a fortified safe room.

The military offensive began as US helicopters flew over Caracas, navigating through heavy gunfire. Reports from local residents described a surprise assault, with the operation designed not only to apprehend Maduro but to disrupt his defense systems within the country.

Fuerte Tiuna, a significant military complex in Caracas, was the focal point of the operation. Following the attack, images depicted destruction across the compound, underscoring the scale of the military intervention.

Having been transported to the USS Iwo Jima, images emerged of Maduro handcuffed, donning ear protection and a blindfold, thus marking a pivotal moment in a political saga that spans years of turmoil and crisis for Venezuela. Attorney General Pam Bondi later reaffirmed that both Maduro and Flores would face criminal charges in the United States related to drug trafficking and weapon possession.

As the shift from Caracas to New York commenced, Maduro's dramatic capture could potentially redefine international perceptions of the US's role in Latin American politics and signal significant changes in how sovereign states navigate authoritarian regimes.