### U.S. Military Operation Captures Nicolás Maduro: A New Chapter in Venezuelan Politics In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a military operation executed by American special forces. Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was seized from a military base in Caracas and transported to New York City, where he is expected to face serious criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy. This operation marks a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs, with Trump asserting that the U.S. will temporarily govern the country and exploit its oil reserves for international markets [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15432749/trump-says-run-venezuela-american-president-cabinet-members-troops-deployed.html][https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-maduro-trump-military-operation-85041a1ec03bafe839b785a95169d694]. ### Breakdown of the Operation and Its Implications 1. **Military Operation Details**: - U.S. forces conducted a covert operation in the early hours of January 4, 2026, involving helicopters and elite Delta Force commandos. - The operation reportedly lasted less than 30 minutes, with Maduro captured at a military compound in Caracas [https://timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/how-venezuela-president-maduro-was-captured-midnight-us-commando-raid-seized-nicolas-in-30-minutes-article-153394968]. 2. **Immediate Aftermath**: - Maduro and his wife were flown to New York, where they arrived handcuffed and are now facing charges related to drug trafficking [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/nicolas-maduro-lands-new-york-36493687]. - The U.S. government has indicated plans to oversee Venezuela's governance and oil production, aiming to stabilize the country and restore its economy [https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/trump-says-us-oil-giants-will-enter-venezuela-after-maduros-capture-assures-china-of-supply-article-153393673]. 3. **Global Reactions**: - The operation has sparked mixed reactions worldwide, with some leaders expressing support for the U.S. action while others condemned it as an act of aggression [https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-04/how-world-leaders-reacted-to-venezuelan-strikes/106197592]. - Countries like Russia and China have voiced strong opposition, warning against U.S. intervention in Venezuela [https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2153211/venezuela-live-trump-russia-ww3]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Operation Timeline**: - **10:46 PM ET**: Trump authorized the operation. - **1:01 AM ET**: U.S. helicopters landed in Caracas. - **1:30 PM ET**: Maduro arrived in New York under federal escort [https://timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/how-venezuela-president-maduro-was-captured-midnight-us-commando-raid-seized-nicolas-in-30-minutes-article-153394968]. - **Charges Against Maduro**: - Maduro faces multiple charges, including: - Narco-terrorism conspiracy - Cocaine-importation conspiracy [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/nicolas-maduro-lands-new-york-36493687]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Venezuela and U.S. Foreign Policy The capture of Nicolás Maduro represents a pivotal moment in both Venezuelan politics and U.S. foreign policy. The operation not only aims to dismantle Maduro's regime but also seeks to establish U.S. control over Venezuela's vast oil resources. 1. **Key Findings**: - The U.S. military operation was swift and decisive, resulting in the capture of a sitting president. - Trump’s administration plans to oversee Venezuela's governance and oil production, which could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Latin America. 2. **Future Implications**: - The international community remains divided on the legality and morality of U.S. intervention, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Latin America relations [https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-captured-a-sitting-president-and-his-wife-from-venezuela-was-trumps-action-legal-11767499410323]. This unprecedented event will likely have lasting repercussions for Venezuela and its people, as well as for U.S. foreign policy in the region.