U.S. Captures Maduro and Wife in Venezuela Operation: Maduro Pleads Not Guilty

CARACAS - On January 3, U.S. forces conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela, apprehending President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in coordination with law enforcement.

The White House said the action targeted Maduro, who has been indicted for narco-terrorism, to which Maduro pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.

This operation follows a 2020 indictment from the Southern District of New York charging Maduro with leading the Cartel de Los Soles in drug trafficking conspiracies.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Maduro's status as head of a narco-terror organization under indictment for pushing drugs into the United States. The strike apprehended Maduro and Flores, with a White House image showing them blindfolded.

U.S. missions highlighted Maduro's non-recognition as president due to sham elections, such as the July 28, 2024, vote. The Drug Enforcement Administration offered a 50 million dollar reward for Maduro's arrest, increased in August 2025.

Maduro and Flores appeared in Manhattan federal court on January 5 for arraignment. He pleaded not guilty, stating "I am innocent. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country," before the judge cut him off.

Flores pleaded not guilty, saying "Not guilty, completely innocent." The hearing lasted about 30 minutes, with both waiving speedy trial rights. Next court date is March 17 at 11 a.m. ET.

Operation Details

The strike apprehended Maduro and Flores, with a White House image showing them blindfolded. United States Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine described extensive preparation to ensure success.

The operation, completed in under 30 minutes, involved specialized units and led to electrical disruptions with visible emissions from affected locations.

Reported losses included 32 Cuban officers according to their authorities, undetermined Venezuelan military and civilian figures according to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and some United States injuries with no fatalities noted by President Trump.

International Reactions

• Russia's Foreign Ministry described the action as aggression and demanded Maduro's release. China's Foreign Ministry expressed deep shock and strongly condemned the use of force.
• Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated the bombings and capture crossed an unacceptable line.
• Iran's Foreign Ministry and Nicaragua's government echoed condemnations. Support from Netanyahu and Milei ties to shared security interests against terrorism and authoritarianism.
• Argentina's President Javier Milei declared liberty advances.
• Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Trump. Ukraine's government focused on Maduro's repressive history.
• El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele and Ecuador's leadership expressed approval via social media.
• European reactions were measured, with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz noting Maduro's ruinous leadership.
• France's President Emmanuel Macron remarked Venezuelans could rejoice at the end.
• The United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer shed no tears but urged law adherence.
• European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas affirmed Maduro's illegitimacy but stressed United Nations Charter respect.
• Spain's Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation. The Holy See voiced deep concern. Amnesty International raised alarms over implications.

Impacts on International Relations

The capture strains Russia-Venezuela ties, with Moscow's support for Maduro including arms and debt relief. Relations with the United States worsen, challenging Russian influence in Latin America.

China's investments in Venezuelan oil face uncertainty, prompting diversified sourcing. United States-China relations tense further over regional initiatives.

Cuba's officer losses impact alliances with Venezuela on security exchanges. United States-Cuba dynamics remain adversarial.

Iran's partnerships with Venezuela on oil swaps disrupted, escalating United States-Iran tensions.