TOPIC OF THE DAY: VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT ARRESTED BY U.S.

VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT ARRESTED BY U.S.

On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. special forces during a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas.

The operation, known as "Operation Absolute Resolve," was ordered by President Donald Trump and carried out by the Army’s elite Delta Force. 

Details of the Capture

Location: The raid targeted Maduro's residence within the Fuerte Tiuna military compound in Caracas.

The Raid: Delta Force operators breached the compound around 2:00 a.m. local time. President Trump reported that Maduro was apprehended while attempting to reach a steel-fortified safe room but was "bum-rushed" before he could close the door.

Surveillance: The capture followed months of clandestine tracking by a CIA team that used a human source within Maduro’s inner circle to monitor his "pattern of life".

Military Scale: The operation involved over 150 U.S. aircraft and strikes on five key Venezuelan military and strategic sites, including the La Carlota air base and the Port of La Guaira. 

Current Status and Charges

Custody: 

Maduro and Flores were flown out of Venezuela, transferred to the USS Iwo Jima, and eventually landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York on Saturday afternoon.

Detention: 

Maduro is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn.

Charges: He faces federal indictments in New York for narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses. U.S. officials allege he led the "Cartel de los Soles" drug trafficking organization. 

Immediate Aftermath

Interim Power: 

Venezuela's Supreme Court directed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the duties of acting president

U.S. Stance: 

President Trump stated the U.S. would "run the country" temporarily to ensure a "judicious transition" and intends to tap into Venezuela's oil reserves.

International Reaction:

 The operation drew strong praise from countries like Israel, Argentina, and Ecuador, but was condemned as a violation of sovereignty by Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, and Brazil. 

Courtesy:

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