The United States has reportedly carried out a high-risk covert operation in Venezuela that resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, marking a dramatic escalation in Washington’s long-running standoff with the South American nation.
According to a person familiar with the matter, President Donald Trump gave the green light several days ago for an operation aimed at capturing Maduro. The mission was allegedly executed by the US Army’s elite Delta Force, with intelligence support from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The source said Maduro’s location had been tracked for some time by the CIA, after Trump authorized covert US activity inside Venezuela months earlier. Once his whereabouts were confirmed, the operation moved quickly.
Maduro was reportedly arrested and is expected to stand trial in the United States, though officials have not publicly confirmed his exact location as of Saturday morning. The US State Department has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.
Venezuela Demands Answers
In Caracas, uncertainty and tension remain high. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro or First Lady Cilia Flores, demanding proof of life from Washington.
Venezuela’s defense minister accused the United States of launching attacks that struck urban areas across the country, claiming missiles and rockets caused casualties among civilians, military personnel, and government officials. He described the operation as an “invasion” and vowed that Venezuela would resist what he called the greatest outrage the country has ever suffered.
A Long-Running Conflict
Maduro has been a central target of US pressure for years. A former ally of late President Hugo Chávez, Maduro took office in 2013 amid disputed elections and has since faced widespread accusations of corruption, electoral fraud, and authoritarianism.
The first Trump administration charged Maduro with narco-terrorism in 2020, accusing him of conspiring with Colombian rebel groups to traffic cocaine into the United States. Maduro has consistently denied the allegations, accusing Washington of imperialism and political persecution.
Tensions have remained high since Maduro was sworn in for another term last year following elections that were rejected by much of the international community.
What Happens Next?
If confirmed, Maduro’s capture would represent an unprecedented moment in US–Latin America relations and could trigger far-reaching political, economic, and security consequences across the region.
For now, many details remain unclear, including Maduro’s legal status, the scope of the operation, and how Venezuela’s allies will respond. What is certain is that the situation has introduced a new and volatile chapter in an already fragile geopolitical landscape.
As events continue to unfold, the world will be watching closely for official confirmation and the next steps from both Washington and Caracas.
