nicolas maduro: Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces: Where has he been taken? What we know so far
Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces
Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, captured by US forces, became a global breaking news story after US lawmakers and officials confirmed that US personnel had detained the Venezuelan leader for trial in the US. The development comes after questions about US attacks and explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, and whether the US is at war with Venezuela.
What did US officials say about the arrest?
Republican US Senator Mike Lee said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him that Nicolas Maduro was detained by US forces. Lee said the arrest was carried out to enforce a criminal warrant issued in the United States. He stated that the kinetic movement seen during the operation was used to protect US personnel.
Lee shared on X that Rubio does not expect another US military action in Venezuela due to Maduro being in US custody. The operation was carried out in accordance with Article II of the US Constitution in order to protect US forces from attacks. He added that it could fall under the authority of the president in accordance with the article.
Previously, Lee had questioned whether the US attack on Venezuela had legal support. He said he wanted clarity because he had no authority to declare war or use military force.
Trump administration’s stance on Maduro
The Trump administration has long described the Venezuelan president as a criminal figure. During Donald Trump’s first term, US prosecutors indicted Maduro in the Southern District of New York in 2020. The charges included narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
The United States also announced a financial reward for Maduro’s arrest. The reward started at $15 million. It rose to $25 million at the beginning of January 2025. The reward increased to $50 million in August 2025 after Trump returned to office for a second term. The United States also designated Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization and claimed the group’s leader was Maduro. Marco Rubio said the charges were based on evidence presented to the grand jury. He said the indictment was not political speech.
Trump and senior officials confirm detention
Donald Trump shared on social media that Maduro was captured with US law enforcement. He said more details are coming. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Christopher Landau said that the operation marks a new phase for Venezuela. He said Maduro will face justice in the United States.
US officials did not immediately say where Maduro was taken. Reports focused on detention and ongoing trial proceedings in the United States.
Venezuela’s reaction to the US attack
Venezuelan officials rejected the US narrative. Vice President for Policy, Citizen Security and Peace Diosdado Cabello said the United States had only partially achieved its goals. He said bombs and missiles failed to create fear in people. He said the country remained calm.
Cabello addressed security forces and said she knew how Venezuela needed to move forward. He did not confirm Maduro’s location or status but criticized the US bombing of Venezuela and the US attack on Venezuela.
UN Security Council request
Venezuela requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto said that the US attack on Venezuela violates international norms. He said Venezuela sent a letter to the UN calling for action.
Gil said no attack would tear the country apart. He said Venezuela would respond through diplomatic channels. The request was added to world news coverage on CNN, Reuters, AP News, Fox News, ABC News and Al Jazeera.
Questions about war and legality
The arrest raised questions such as why the United States attacked Venezuela, whether the United States was at war with Venezuela, and whether the United States invaded Venezuela. U.S. officials said the action focused on enforcing the arrest warrant and protecting personnel. They said no wider war was planned in Venezuela.
Venezuela’s allies and regional partners, including Cuba, followed developments closely. The reports mentioned Caracas news, explosions in Caracas Venezuela and security points such as Fuerte Tiuna.
What happens next?
US officials expect legal proceedings to be initiated in the US. Venezuela continues its diplomatic assistance. This situation continues to be the main focus of world news, Venezuela breaking news, and US Venezuela relations.
FAQ
Question 1: Has it been confirmed by US officials that Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro was captured by US forces?
Yes. U.S. Senator Mike Lee said Marco Rubio confirmed that Maduro was detained by U.S. personnel pending criminal charges in the United States.
Question 2: Does Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, captured by US forces, mean war with Venezuela?
US officials say no war is planned. They say the action is focused on enforcing the arrest warrant and protecting U.S. personnel during the operation.
