The global geopolitical order was thrown into sudden turmoil in the early hours of Saturday following dramatic reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured by United States forces and removed from the country to face criminal prosecution in the United States.
The alleged operation described as involving coordinated airstrikes, special forces deployment, and rapid extraction has sparked international outrage, heightened diplomatic tensions, and urgent calls for restraint from governments around the world.
If confirmed, the seizure of a sitting head of state by a foreign power would mark one of the most extraordinary and controversial interventions in modern international relations, raising serious questions about sovereignty, international law, and the future stability of Latin America.
According to multiple U.S. officials and lawmakers cited in media and social media statements, Maduro who has long been accused by Washington of leading a vast narco-trafficking network was apprehended during a swift military operation in Caracas and flown out of Venezuela under U.S. custody. His wife was also reportedly detained during the same operation, signaling a major escalation in Washington’s confrontation with the Venezuelan leadership.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the operation in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing it as a “brilliant operation” executed by American forces. Trump claimed that U.S. military helicopters, including Black Hawks and Chinooks, were deployed over Caracas as part of the mission.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro,” Trump wrote. “He has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country. A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people.”
Trump added that a full press conference would follow at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, underscoring the gravity of the development.
Footage circulating widely online appeared to show explosions and plumes of smoke rising from parts of Caracas in the early morning hours. Witnesses reported hearing loud blasts in multiple districts, while Venezuelan authorities later confirmed that military strikes had occurred.
The government declared a nationwide state of emergency, stating that attacks were not limited to the capital but had also taken place in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Communications disruptions and conflicting reports added to the confusion, with no immediate official statement from Venezuela confirming Maduro’s whereabouts.
Further confirmation of the intent to prosecute Maduro came from U.S. political figures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly briefed lawmakers on the operation and its objectives. Republican Senator Mike Lee later posted on social media that Rubio had informed him of Maduro’s arrest.
“He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States,” Lee wrote. “The kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.”
Lee also stated that Rubio anticipated “no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody,” a comment that has raised questions about how Washington expects stability to be maintained amid a sudden leadership vacuum.
Maduro has been under U.S. indictment for several years, accused of leading the so-called “Cartel de Los Soles,” an organisation American officials allege is responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Washington has repeatedly framed the Venezuelan leadership not as a legitimate government, but as a criminal enterprise.
Shortly after Trump’s announcement, Rubio reshared a previous statement reinforcing that position.
“Maduro is NOT the President of Venezuela and his regime is NOT the legitimate government,” Rubio wrote. “Maduro is the head of the Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organisation which has taken possession of a country. And he is under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States.”
By resurfacing the statement, Rubio appeared to present the operation as the culmination of years of U.S. policy rather than a sudden or impulsive action.
The shockwaves quickly spread across the Caribbean and Latin America. Trinidad and Tobago, located just seven miles from Venezuela at its closest point, moved swiftly to deny any involvement in the military action.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a firm public statement distancing her country from the operation.
“Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,” she said. “Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.”
The statement followed reports that Trinidad and Tobago had recently hosted a U.S. warship, conducted joint military exercises with American forces, granted U.S. aircraft transit rights, and approved the installation of a U.S. military radar facility details now drawing intense scrutiny.
European leaders reacted with concern, particularly over the safety of their citizens in Venezuela. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was closely monitoring the situation, noting that around 160,000 Italian citizens live in Venezuela, many holding dual nationality.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, confirmed she had spoken directly with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She reiterated that while the EU disputes Maduro’s legitimacy, international law must be respected.
“Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected,” Kallas said. “We call for restraint. The safety of EU citizens is our top priority.”
Spain offered to mediate between Washington and Caracas, calling for de-escalation and a negotiated diplomatic solution.
Russia, a key ally of the Maduro government, strongly condemned the reported U.S. action. The Russian Foreign Ministry described it as “armed aggression” and accused Washington of prioritising ideology over diplomacy.
“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” the ministry said. “This is deeply concerning and condemnable.”
Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yván Gil Pinto, announced that an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council had been requested. He vowed resistance, declaring that Venezuela would not submit to foreign coercion.
Adding further complexity, opposition sources within Venezuela suggested that Maduro’s removal may have been part of a behind-the-scenes negotiated exit involving internal actors and U.S. officials. Just days earlier, Maduro had publicly stated he was open to dialogue with Washington.
No official confirmation has been provided to support these claims, leaving open questions about whether the operation was facilitated by internal divisions within Venezuela’s power structure.
If verified, the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces would represent a watershed moment in global politics. Supporters argue it enforces accountability for alleged criminal activity, while critics warn it sets a dangerous precedent that could destabilise international norms and invite retaliation.
As Maduro’s fate moves into the U.S. legal system, Venezuela faces an uncertain future marked by a sudden power vacuum, internal unrest, and intense international pressure. The world watches closely, aware that the consequences of this dramatic intervention may reshape global diplomacy for years to come.
