politics
January 3, 2026
Why has US attacked Caracas and captured Venezuela’s president?
Trump’s unprecedented capture of Nicolás Maduro follows months of military campaign and years of strained relationship
TL;DR
- US carried out airstrikes across Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- Maduro and Flores will face trial in New York on narco-terrorism charges.
- Donald Trump announced the US would 'run the country' until a leadership transition.
- The operation follows months of intense US pressure, including naval blockades and airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats.
- This is the largest US action in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion.
- Trump accused Maduro of destabilizing activity, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration.
- The US has recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as president and recently announced the 'Trump corollary' doctrine for Western Hemisphere control.
- Maduro's rule has been characterized as dictatorial, with a poor human rights record and economic collapse.
- Venezuelan authorities appeared caught off guard, and the defense minister vowed to resist the 'invasion'.
- The future of Venezuela's leadership and the potential for wider conflict remain uncertain.
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