In a sharp intensification of US-Venezuela relations, American forces have apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a rapid operation in Caracas on January 3. Elite US troops detained the couple and evacuated them from the country, representing the first such direct US action against a South American head of state in over 30 years.
President Donald Trump revealed the mission on January 3, labeling it a “successful counternarcotics effort.” The administration insists it was a targeted law enforcement action to enforce existing US indictments, rather than an act of aggression.
The US Justice Department has long charged Maduro in New York with narco-terrorism, cocaine importation conspiracy, and ties to the FARC rebels. Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment.
Authorities accuse Maduro of heading the “Cartel of the Suns,” a drug network allegedly run by high-ranking Venezuelan military figures. Washington recently raised the bounty for his capture to $50 million, branding him a major global drug trafficker.
The raid echoes the 1989 US operation in Panama that captured Manuel Noriega on similar drug charges. However, Maduro’s detention was far swifter, completed in hours to reduce risks of casualties or chaos.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency, with Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López rallying for resistance against “imperialist invasion” and calling for evidence of Maduro’s well-being. Troops are deployed in key cities amid rising tensions.
Global responses vary: Russia has denounced it as a breach of sovereignty, while some Western countries advocate calm and a smooth power handover. The US states no additional military moves are planned.
Venezuela now faces deep instability. Constitutionally, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez steps in as acting leader to organize elections, though military allegiances to the regime may spark conflicts.
Maduro is set for a prolonged US trial on the indictments. The operation’s broader impacts on Venezuela and hemispheric stability remain uncertain.
