In a stunning escalation that’s already reshaping geopolitics in the Americas, Nicolás Maduro was captured in an overnight U.S. military operation in Caracas and flown to the United States, according to multiple major news organizations and official statements released over the weekend. (Reuters)
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would temporarily “run” Venezuela until there is what he called a safe transition—language that has triggered immediate condemnation from several governments, calls for emergency diplomacy at the United Nations, and alarms among international law experts. (Reuters)
Below is what’s confirmed so far, what’s disputed, and what to watch next as the “Maduro captured” story continues to evolve hour by hour.
What happened in Caracas: “Operation Absolute Resolve”
According to Reuters, the U.S. operation—described as months in planning—used a mix of intelligence support and Special Operations forces to seize Maduro and his wife in Caracas. Reuters reported rehearsals using a mock-up site and said the mission included U.S. airstrikes to weaken defenses before the capture. (Reuters)
U.S. Defense Department-linked reporting also described the mission as a “joint U.S. military extraction” and framed it as a targeted operation aimed at removing a leader the U.S. has long accused of undermining democratic governance and enabling transnational crime. (U.S. Department of War)
Separately, live updates from major outlets reported explosions and power disruptions in parts of Caracas amid the operation, underscoring the scale of the military activity surrounding the seizure. (Reuters)
Where Maduro is now
Multiple reports state Maduro was transported out of Venezuela and taken into U.S. custody, arriving in the New York area. Coverage indicates he is being questioned and could face court proceedings as soon as this week, though schedules and charges can shift rapidly as the legal process unfolds. (CBS News)
Reuters reported that Maduro arrived in the U.S. Saturday evening, while U.S. media described preparations for potential court appearances. (Reuters)
The legal and political storm in Washington
The “Maduro captured” operation instantly became a flashpoint in U.S. politics.
A prominent example: Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the capture as “unlawful and unwise,” warning it could destabilize the region and arguing the administration lacked clear legal authority and an exit strategy. (New York Post)
At the same time, the administration’s supporters have framed the mission as a decisive move against an authoritarian leader. Expect congressional fights over war powers, classified briefings, and questions about whether the operation complied with U.S. law, international law, or both.
Venezuela’s internal power vacuum: who’s in charge?
Inside Venezuela, the situation is murky. International reporting describes uncertainty over the chain of command, with Maduro loyalists insisting the government remains intact even as U.S. officials present the capture as a decisive break.
The Guardian reported Venezuelan Vice President Delcy RodrÃguez has publicly maintained that Maduro remains president, despite U.S. claims, while multiple governments are urging calm and a “peaceful, democratic transition.” (The Guardian)
This matters because the next few days could determine whether:
- security forces splinter,
- loyalist institutions hold,
- opposition leaders are empowered (or sidelined),
- and whether everyday services (fuel distribution, electricity, food supply) remain stable.
Global reaction: allies divided, rivals furious
International response has been swift—and sharply split.
The Guardian reported that countries including Mexico and Brazil condemned the U.S. action, while others praised Maduro’s removal. It also noted Russia, Cuba, and Iran were among those condemning the intervention, raising the risk of diplomatic escalation beyond the region. (The Guardian)
Other coverage highlighted China’s “grave concern” and calls for Maduro’s release—part of a broader argument that forcibly removing a sitting head of state violates core principles of sovereignty. (Yeni Safak English)
Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council is expected to be pulled into emergency consultations, as governments debate whether this was a targeted capture operation or the opening act of something much larger. (The Guardian)
The misinformation problem: fake “Maduro captured” clips flood social media
As the story exploded online, so did misinformation.
Wired reported that misleading or recycled videos quickly spread across social platforms after Trump announced the capture—some footage allegedly came from unrelated TikTok videos posted months earlier. (WIRED)
Fact-check coverage has also focused on questionable claims and viral images—some of which appear fabricated, edited, or context-stripped—fueling confusion about what happened in Caracas and what’s happening to Maduro now. (Al Jazeera)
If you’re following developments in real time, a good rule: trust reporting that names sources, shows verified location/time context, and separates confirmed facts from claims and speculation.
What happens next: five things to watch
With Maduro captured and removed from the country, the next phase is far from settled. Here’s what to monitor closely:
1) Court filings and charges in the U.S.
The fastest clarity may come from U.S. court documents—charges, detention status, and any initial appearance that outlines the government’s legal theory for holding him. (Sky News)
2) Venezuela’s security forces
Do the armed forces and internal security agencies remain unified, or do factions break away? Reuters and live reports already hint at a volatile environment in Caracas that could shift quickly. (Reuters)
3) International diplomacy and sanctions
Expect emergency diplomacy at the U.N. and a wave of statements, possible sanctions changes, and negotiations involving regional blocs. (The Guardian)
4) Oil and economic policy
Both Reuters and analysis outlets have emphasized Venezuela’s oil as a central strategic factor, and some critics argue U.S. actions are tied to energy interests. (Reuters)
5) Humanitarian conditions on the ground
Even a short-term political shock can affect medicine supply chains, migration flows, and public services—especially in a country already strained by years of crisis. Photo reporting from Caracas described a tense calm, capturing the uncertainty in the streets the day after the operation. (AP News)
Bottom line
“Maduro captured” is no longer a rumor or a trending phrase—it’s a fast-moving international crisis with major legal, political, and humanitarian consequences. The operation itself appears to be confirmed by multiple major outlets and official U.S. channels, but the legitimacy, endgame, and real-world fallout are still being fought over in public and behind closed doors. (Reuters)
As more verified information emerges—especially from court documents, U.N. statements, and on-the-ground reporting in Caracas—the narrative could shift quickly. For now, the world is watching the same questions: Who governs Venezuela today, what legal authority governs Maduro’s detention, and how far this confrontation will spread.
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