Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured by United States military forces in a bold operation and is en route to New York to face federal charges of narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons offenses, multiple sources confirmed on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The operation, authorised by President Donald Trump, marks a stunning escalation in the long-standing US campaign against Maduro’s regime, which Washington has accused of turning Venezuela into a narco-state while perpetrating human rights abuses and economic collapse.
Maduro’s wife, former National Assembly President Cilia Flores, was also reportedly captured in the operation and faces similar drug-related charges.
The US Department of Justice unsealed indictments dating back to 2020, charging Maduro with leading the “Cartel of the Suns” a network allegedly involving Venezuelan military officials and Colombian FARC guerrillas to flood the United States with cocaine as a political weapon. A $15 million bounty had been placed on his head.
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Maduro, 63, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013 amid disputed elections and international isolation, is expected to appear in a Manhattan federal court as early as Tuesday.
The capture has triggered global reactions: Protests erupted in Caracas, with supporters demanding Maduro’s immediate release.
China expressed “grave concern” over potential disruptions to Venezuelan oil supplies.
The African Union condemned the operation as a violation of sovereignty.
Venezuela’s opposition-backed interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, formed an emergency commission to negotiate the couple’s return.
President Trump described the action as “a major victory in the war on drugs and terrorism,” warning of potential further strikes if necessary.
The International Criminal Court, which is separately investigating Maduro for crimes against humanity, noted the development could complicate ongoing probes.
This is a developing story.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
Send tips to: adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com | 08168555497
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