U.S. Captures Maduro, Indicts Him and Wife in Narco‑Terror Plot, Sparks Global Condemnation
Updated (3 articles)
Nighttime raid seizes Venezuela’s leader at Fort Tiuna U.S. forces entered the fortified Ft Tiuna complex in Caracas just after midnight, detained President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and extracted them aboard a warship in under 30 minutes; explosions were reported across the city and no immediate casualty figures were released[1][2][3].
Narco‑terrorism indictment targets Maduro, Flores and drug network The Justice Department unsealed a New York indictment charging both officials with leading a conspiracy that funneled up to 250 tons of cocaine through Venezuela and financed violent traffickers, alleging direct collaboration with criminal cartels; Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged that the case will be tried in U.S. federal court[1][2][3].
UN, China and Russia denounce U.S. strike as illegal precedent The United Nations warned the operation sets a dangerous precedent for sovereignty violations, while China labeled it a breach of international law and Russia described it as armed aggression, all urging dialogue and respect for human rights[1][2][3].
FAA restricts Puerto Rico airspace; State Dept issues shelter advisory In response to the Venezuelan crisis, the Federal Aviation Administration imposed temporary flight restrictions around San Juan’s international airport, suspending most U.S. commercial services, and the State Department advised Americans in Venezuela to remain indoors and await further instructions[1][2][3].
Trump promises U.S. role in Venezuela’s future; VP demands proof of life President Donald Trump announced that Washington will shape Venezuela’s post‑Maduro trajectory, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez publicly demanded proof of life for the captured leaders, underscoring uncertainty over the nation’s leadership succession[1][2].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
AP : US captures Maduro, indicts him and wife in narco-terrorism conspiracy after overnight strikes in Venezuela** – Details the nighttime raid, the indictment, UN and China reactions, FAA airspace limits, and Trump’s statement on 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 rapid extraction, the indictment’s focus on Flores, international condemnations, travel advisories, and the Venezuelan VP’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** – Highlights the operation’s speed, indictment specifics (including cocaine volume), Bondi’s pledge, global reactions, and FAA restrictions.
Timeline
Jan 3, 2026 – The United States launches a rapid nighttime raid on the Fort Tiuna military complex in Caracas, seizes President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, and loads them onto a U.S. warship for transport out of Venezuela in under 30 minutes[2][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – The Department of Justice unseals a New York indictment accusing Maduro and Flores of heading a “narco‑terrorism” conspiracy that funneled up to 250 tons of cocaine through Venezuela by 2020, linking the regime to violent drug traffickers[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi declares, “They will face justice on American soil in New York courts,” pledging that the couple will be prosecuted in the United States[1][2].
Jan 3, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that the United States “will determine the next steps for Venezuela” and that Washington “will not allow anyone else to assume control,” framing the raid as a decisive move for regional stability[1].
Jan 3, 2026 – A United Nations spokesperson says the strike “sets a dangerous precedent” and urges all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law, expressing deep alarm over the operation[1][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – China’s Foreign Ministry condemns the raid as a “violation of international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” calling on the United States to respect the UN Charter and cease destabilizing actions[1][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Russia labels the U.S. action “armed aggression” and urges dialogue instead of unilateral force, adding to the diplomatic backlash[3].
Jan 3, 2026 – The U.S. State Department advises Americans in Venezuela to “shelter in place” amid the unfolding crisis, warning of possible security risks[2].
Jan 3, 2026 – The Federal Aviation Administration imposes a temporary airspace restriction around Puerto Rico’s international airport, suspending most U.S.-operated commercial flights while foreign and military flights continue[1][3].
Jan 3, 2026 – Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands proof of life for Maduro and Flores, stating their whereabouts are unknown and pressing the United States for confirmation[3].