US Strikes Venezuela, Captures President Maduro in Dramatic Overnight Raid

The United States executed a large-scale military strike, leading to the **Maduro capture**. President Donald Trump announced the operation’s success, confirming the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. His wife, Cilia Flores, was also apprehended. The pair were flown out of Venezuela, marking a dramatic escalation following months of U.S. pressure and efforts for **Nicolas Maduro arrested**. This **Maduro capture** was a pivotal moment.

Delta Force Leads **Maduro Capture** Operation

The U.S. Army’s Delta Force led the operation. Elite special forces carried out the **Maduro capture**. Officials confirmed their involvement. President Trump shared a photo. It showed Maduro aboard the USS Iwo Jima. This naval vessel is an amphibious assault ship. Maduro and his wife were being transported. They were headed towards New York following the successful **Maduro capture**.

Maduro Indicted on Narco-terrorism Charges

Maduro faces serious charges. He was indicted in New York. This indictment dates back to 2020. Federal prosecutors alleged **narco-terrorism**. They also cited cocaine smuggling. The charges involved weapon possession. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictment. She stated Maduro and his wife would face justice. They would appear in American courts. Bondi vowed full American justice. This event echoes history. It happened 36 years later. That was when U.S. forces arrested Panama’s Noriega. Trump called it an “extraordinary military operation.” He described overwhelming power. It was an assault not seen since WWII, directly contributing to the **Maduro capture**.

Venezuela Condemns **Maduro Capture** as Aggression

Venezuela reacted strongly. The government condemned the U.S. It called the action “extremely serious military aggression.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the leaders were missing. She demanded proof of life. Venezuela declared a state of emergency. This gives the government broad powers. It allows for mobilizing armed forces. Military authority over public services increases. The country’s defenses were activated. Venezuela accused the U.S. of violating **Venezuelan sovereignty**. It called the strike “imperialist.” Some Venezuelans abroad celebrated. They poured into the streets. Doral, Florida, saw joyous crowds. They hugged and sang anthems. They had waited decades for this moment following the **Maduro capture**.

Global Reactions to the **Venezuela US Raid**

Global reactions were swift. Russia condemned the U.S. strikes. It called them an “act of armed aggression.” Iran also issued strong condemnation. It labeled the action a “flagrant violation.” Many nations expressed concern. Spain called for de-escalation. Germany watched the situation closely. The U.S. embassy in Colombia warned citizens. They advised staying out of Venezuela. They did not confirm U.S. involvement initially in the **Maduro capture**.

U.S. Pressure Precedes **Maduro Capture**

The U.S. had been building pressure. A military buildup occurred in the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford was positioned. Many other warships joined it. Recent actions included seizing oil tankers. The U.S. also struck drug boats. These strikes targeted specific areas. They aimed to disrupt drug operations. The Trump administration sought Maduro’s arrest for years. A $50 million bounty was on his head. Prosecutors alleged a conspiracy. It involved the FARC guerrilla group. They claimed it was to traffic cocaine. This allegedly undermined the U.S. Maduro denied these accusations. He maintained he was a false positive. He stated he was home and not running. Experts questioned the evidence’s strength. They suggested political motives. Venezuela was not a primary transit country. However, the U.S. government disagreed. It characterized smugglers as narcoterrorists. This led to military force directives. The USS Iwo Jima was deployed earlier. It was part of a naval buildup. This happened in August 2025. The carrier strike group arrived later. This marked a significant increase. Escalation continued in December. Oil tankers were intercepted. A naval quarantine was imposed. Plans were made to designate Venezuela’s government a terrorist organization. The U.S. also planned land strikes. Targets included facilities linked to drug gangs. Evidence for these claims was not always provided. Human rights groups raised concerns. They called some strikes potential war crimes, culminating in the **Maduro capture** and the **Venezuela US raid**.

Future U.S. Involvement Post-Maduro Capture

President Trump indicated future involvement. He stated the U.S. would be “involved in it very much.” The legal authority for the attack was unclear. The operation involved U.S. law enforcement. This marked a unique event. It was a sitting leader’s capture. Maduro’s government is still in power. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez now leads. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is a potential replacement. Many opponents do not support U.S. intervention. The **Maduro capture** occurred during a fragile time. Venezuela faces ongoing crises. The oil industry remains vital. The U.S. interest in this sector is noted. This news is a featured development. It represents a significant shift. The situation remains dynamic. Further details are expected. This is a developing story. The featured news captures global attention. These are recent events of note, following the **Trump operation** and the **Maduro capture**.