What's happened
In a coordinated overnight operation, US forces conducted a military raid in Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The operation involved extensive planning, air and land assaults, and was executed in perfect weather conditions. Maduro is now in US custody to face drug-related charges.
What's behind the headline?
The operation underscores the US's willingness to escalate military actions against foreign leaders involved in narcoterrorism. The precision and secrecy of the raid demonstrate advanced intelligence and military coordination, likely setting a precedent for future covert operations. The timing, contingent on weather conditions, highlights the importance of operational planning in high-stakes missions.
This event reveals a shift towards more aggressive US tactics in Latin America, potentially destabilizing Maduro's regime further. The capture could lead to increased regional instability, but also signals US resolve to combat drug trafficking and corruption at the highest levels. The international response will be critical, as Venezuela's government claims civilian casualties and condemns the operation, which may deepen regional divisions.
The long-term impact hinges on Maduro's legal proceedings and regional reactions. If successful, this could weaken Venezuela's government and embolden US influence in the hemisphere. Conversely, it risks provoking retaliatory actions and complicating diplomatic relations with allies who oppose such military interventions.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that the US conducted a night raid in Caracas, capturing Maduro and his wife, with detailed accounts of the operation's planning and execution. The NY Post emphasizes the close call Maduro had in reaching a safe room, describing the operation as a surprise attack with intense gunfire and explosions. The Independent highlights the operational secrecy, the use of advanced aircraft, and the precise timing based on weather conditions. All sources agree on the operation's significance, but differ in tone—The Times focusing on strategic details, the NY Post on the dramatic close call, and The Independent on the meticulous planning and execution.
How we got here
The US had been tracking Maduro for months, with intelligence agencies monitoring his movements and activities. The operation was planned after a series of US military strikes targeting drug trafficking vessels linked to Venezuelan cartels. The raid marks a significant escalation in US efforts to target Maduro's regime amid ongoing regional tensions.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What is happening in Venezuela right now?
Recent developments in Venezuela have shocked the region and the world. The US has announced it is taking control of the country following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. This unprecedented move raises many questions about the current situation, regional stability, and what might happen next. Below, we explore the key details and answer the most common questions about this crisis.
-
How Did US Forces Capture Maduro in a Night Raid?
The recent US military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has raised many questions. How did the US manage to carry out such a precise night raid? What details are known about the operation? And what does this mean for international relations? Below, we explore the key aspects of this high-stakes military action and answer the most common questions surrounding it.
-
What Are the Latest International Reactions to the US Taking Control of Venezuela and the Libya Plane Crash?
Recent events in Venezuela and Libya have sparked widespread international reactions and raised questions about regional stability. The US's intervention in Venezuela and the tragic plane crash involving Libya's military leader are shaping global discussions. Here, we explore what experts and governments are saying about these developments and what might come next for these volatile regions.
-
Why Did the US Intervene in Venezuela in 2026?
In early 2026, the US took unprecedented action by intervening directly in Venezuela, capturing President Maduro and asserting control over the country. This move has sparked widespread questions about US foreign policy motives, regional stability, and the legal implications of such an intervention. Many are asking: what prompted this bold move, and what does it mean for international relations moving forward? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this dramatic development.
-
Who Will Lead Libya After the Plane Crash? What’s Next for Venezuela and Maduro?
Recent events in Libya and Venezuela have sent shockwaves through the region. The death of Libya’s military leader in a plane crash raises questions about the country’s future leadership, while the US’s dramatic capture of Venezuela’s Maduro has sparked international debate. Here’s what you need to know about these unfolding stories and what they mean for regional stability and global politics.
More on these topics
-
Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro is a Venezuelan lawyer and politician. She is married to the President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro, making her the First Lady.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Nicolás Maduro Moros is a Venezuelan politician serving as president of Venezuela since 2013. His presidency has been disputed by Juan Guaidó since January 2019, although Maduro is the real president.
-
Peter Brian Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is an American government official and former television personality who has served as the 29th United States secretary of defense since 2025.
Hegseth studied politics at Princeton University, where he was the publi
-
John Daniel "Raizin" Caine (born 10 August 1968) is an American general and venture capitalist who is serving as the 22nd chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2025. He served as the associate director for military affairs at the Central Intelligenc