Global Condemnation Grows After US Capture of Venezuela Leader

The United States says its forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a military operation in Caracas early Friday, January 3.

US President Donald Trump announced that American troops detained Maduro and his wife after striking several military and government sites in the capital. He said the two are being flown to New York to face narco-terrorism charges.

Residents reported loud explosions near military bases and key government buildings shortly before dawn.

Venezuela Declares State of Emergency

Venezuela’s government declared a nationwide state of emergency hours after the announcement.

Security forces deployed across major cities as tensions rose. US officials said Delta Force carried out the operation. The White House did not say whether Congress approved the mission.

Later in the day, President Trump called the raid a “precise operation.” He said the US would oversee Venezuela during a political transition. Trump also claimed Washington would take control of the country’s oil production.

World Leaders Condemn US Action

Several countries condemned the operation within hours.

Mexico, China, Russia, Cuba, Brazil, and Colombia described the move as illegal and dangerous. They warned that the action violated international law and threatened regional stability.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas had grown for weeks. The US had increased military activity off Venezuela’s coast and expanded its presence in the Caribbean.

Oil Emerges as Key Focus

In a later press conference, Trump said the US planned to occupy and “run” Venezuela.

He openly linked the operation to Venezuela’s oil reserves. Trump said American oil companies would invest billions to rebuild infrastructure. Critics described the plan as a resource grab targeting the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

Rising Questions Over US Foreign Policy

The timing of the operation has drawn global attention.

The reported capture came days after Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hours before the raid, Trump also threatened military action against Iran, another oil-rich country.

Despite campaigning against war, Trump has now overseen the removal of a sitting foreign leader. The move has renewed debate over US foreign policy and selective justice. This follows Washington’s recent release of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who faced drug trafficking convictions.

The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with fears of prolonged instability and regional fallout.