U.S. Announces Arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
According to international media, the United States conducted a major military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, 3 January 2026, during which President Donald Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his spouse had been arrested by U.S. forces and removed from the country.
The Venezuelan government has not yet officially confirmed these claims, and authorities in Caracas have requested proof of Maduro’s continued well-being.
Reports indicate that the operation included airstrikes and other military actions, with the objective of arresting Maduro to face criminal charges in the United States. U.S. senators said the arrest was carried out in coordination with the U.S. Secretary of State and may lead to trial in American courts.
This event occurs against the backdrop of highly strained Washington-Caracas relations due to U.S. allegations against Maduro, including drug trafficking and human rights violations over recent years.
Analysts believe this move could have implications beyond Latin America and set a new precedent in dealing with internationally wanted leaders.
