who did the us capture

US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Wife Cilia Flores On January 3, 2026, the United States conducted Operation Absolute Resolve , a large-scale military strike in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump announced their apprehension at 4:21 a.m. ET via Truth Social, confirming they were flown out aboard the USS Iwo Jima. This bold action marks a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, tied to long-standing narcoterrorism charges.

Operation Details

• Timing and Execution : Airstrikes hit multiple sites in northern Venezuela early Saturday, executed by Delta Force per CBS reports, with Maduro captured during the raid.

• Trump's Address : From Mar-a-Lago, Trump shared real-time photos of the national security team monitoring the op, later detailing on Fox & Friends how the pair was helicoptered to the USS Iwo Jima.

• Legal Basis : U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed indictments from New York's Southern District for narcoterrorism, cocaine smuggling, and weapons violations—charges dating to 2020.

Imagine the tension in Caracas as explosions echoed through the night, opposition voices whispering of a "negotiated exit" while state TV aired Delcy Rodríguez's frantic "proof of life" demand. This wasn't just a strike; it unfolded like a high-stakes thriller, with Reuters capturing scenes of U.S. forces in action.

Venezuelan Response

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed Maduro and Flores were missing, activating defenses and blasting the U.S. for breaching international law. She broadcast an audio plea on state TV, while reports noted her possible presence in Caracas despite earlier Russia rumors. Maduro had hinted at drug negotiations just days prior on New Year's Day.

U.S. Political Reactions

• Republicans rallied behind Trump: Speaker Johnson praised ending "criminal regimes," and Sen. Mike Lee cited Sec. State Marco Rubio's arrest warrant justification.

• Critics questioned legality, with international voices like Colombia's Petro listing strike sites.

• Venezuelans abroad erupted in celebration, footage showing street joy over the regime figure's fall.

Broader Context and Charges

This caps months of U.S. escalations, from vessel attacks to Maduro's oil- fueled defiance. Bondi hailed the military's "incredible mission," vowing accountability for decades of alleged trafficking under Maduro's rule. Trump plans a full 11 a.m. briefing, as global eyes watch for fallout.

TL;DR : US forces captured Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in a January 3, 2026, Caracas strike, flying them to USS Iwo Jima for narcoterrorism trials—Trump confirmed, Venezuela demands proof of life.

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