07-01-2026

US Captures Venezuelan Leader Maduro in Major Operation

Date: 07-01-2026
Sources: cbsnews.com: 2 | economist.com: 2 | edition.cnn.com: 3 | foxnews.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | nypost.com: 2 | nytimes.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1 | theguardian.com: 1 | washingtonpost.com: 2
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Source: nypost.com

Image content: The image depicts a scene where a man is being escorted by several individuals, likely law enforcement or security personnel. The main subject of the image is the man in the center, who is dressed in a tan jacket and pants, and appears to be under guard. **Visible Elements:** * A man in a tan jacket and pants being escorted by two men. * The escorting men are wearing tactical gear with "DEA" written on them. * Another man in a black suit with a "DEA" badge is accompanying them. * Two individuals in military attire are visible on either side of the image. * A helicopter is partially visible behind the group. **News-worthy Elements:** * The presence of DEA agents and military personnel suggests that the individual being escorted may be a suspect or a person of interest in a significant investigation or operation. * The scene appears to be related to law enforcement or a high-stakes operation. **Concise Description

Summary

The US carried out a covert operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, involving around 200 American forces, fighter jets, and bombers, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Venezuelans and Cuban personnel, and injuring several US soldiers.

Key Points

  • The US operation was led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved CIA personnel who had been tracking Maduro's movements since August.
  • The capture of Maduro has sparked a crackdown by his supporters and paramilitary groups in Venezuela, with reports of detentions, checkpoints, and repression.
  • The international community has reacted with mixed responses, with some countries condemning the operation as a violation of international law, while others have welcomed the end of Maduro's rule.
  • The US is planning to intercept a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker and has imposed economic pressure on the remaining indicted regime members in Venezuela.
  • The capture of Maduro has had significant geopolitical implications, with authoritarian regimes in Asia and elsewhere fearing they could be next, and Russia viewing the move as a brazen incursion into Venezuela.

Articles in this Cluster

Mike Waltz defends U.S. at U.N.: "We are not occupying a country" - CBS News

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, defended the U.S. military operation in Venezuela during an emergency meeting at the U.N., stating that the U.S. is not occupying the country. Waltz argued that the operation was a law enforcement action aimed at assisting in the arrest of a narcotrafficker. The Trump administration's actions were met with mixed reactions from the international community, with France's foreign minister condemning the operation as a violation of international law, while President Emmanuel Macron stated that he neither supported nor approved the operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that economic pressure remains the main tool being used against the remaining indicted regime members in Venezuela.
Entities: Mike Waltz, United Nations, Venezuela, Trump Administration, Marco RubioTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

New details on Maduro capture revealed as Hegseth shares how U.S. carried out the overnight raid - CBS News

The US carried out a covert operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, involving around 200 American forces, fighter jets, and bombers. The raid was meticulously planned and rehearsed for months using a replica of Maduro's residence. Maduro was caught off guard, and his security detail, including 32 Cuban citizens, were killed. Several US soldiers were injured, and dozens of Venezuelans were killed. The operation was led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and involved CIA personnel who had been tracking Maduro's movements since August. The US is planning to intercept another sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Pete Hegseth, USS John F. Kennedy, Newport News, VirginiaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Cuba’s regime is now in Donald Trump’s sights

The article discusses how Donald Trump's administration is now focusing on Cuba's communist regime after the successful operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Cuban exiles in Miami are optimistic, comparing the potential fall of Cuba's regime to the fall of the Berlin Wall. The article highlights the historical context of Cuban-Americans' annual toast 'Next year in Havana' and how their hopes have fluctuated over the years. It also touches upon Trump's appetite for intervention in the region, referencing his plans to 'run' Venezuela and dominate the Western hemisphere, introducing a new 'Donroe doctrine'.
Entities: Cuba, Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, Fidel Castro, VenezuelaTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Venezuelan immigrants in America are trapped in policy purgatory

The article discusses the reaction of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States, particularly in Doral, Florida, to the news of Nicolás Maduro's capture by American forces. The immigrants celebrated long into the night, hoping that Maduro's arrest would lead to the liberation of Venezuela. However, the article also notes that the US government's plan for Venezuela is unclear, with some Republicans expressing concerns about getting involved in a potential quagmire. The article touches on the complexities of US policy towards Venezuela and the mixed emotions among Venezuelan exiles in the US.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, United States, Doral, FloridaTone: neutralSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

Days after US attack, weary but resilient Venezuelans try to return to normal amid fears of repression | CNNClose icon

Venezuelans are attempting to return to normalcy after the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro, but authorities are cracking down on any show of support to the beleaguered leader's removal. The government has imposed a decree granting broad powers to the presidency and ordering security forces to capture anyone involved in promoting or supporting the US attack. Rights groups have warned of escalating repression, with checkpoints being erected around the country, and reports of price gouging and growing hunger. Despite the uncertainty, Venezuelans seem ready to move forward, with public offices operating, the Metro running, and supermarkets selling produce. However, the economy is facing warning signs, with the Bolívar suffering a sharp devaluation and empty store shelves in some areas.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela, US, CaracasTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Gunfire and anti-aircraft fire seen overnight in Caracas | CNN

Gunfire and anti-aircraft fire were seen in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, on Monday night due to a miscommunication between security forces near the presidential palace. The incident was verified by CNN through video footage. The article also includes links to other CNN news stories and analysis pieces related to Venezuela and international news.
Entities: Caracas, Venezuela, CNN, Louis Leeson, presidential palaceTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Inside Trump’s makeshift situation room at Mar-a-Lago for Maduro’s capture | CNN Politics

The article discusses the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the US, with a focus on the role of President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago 'war room' in the operation. It also touches on Trump's response to the January 6 Capitol attacks and his potential re-election implications. The article includes analysis from various CNN journalists on the 'Donroe Doctrine', Marco Rubio's involvement in the Maduro operation, and the history of Venezuela's politics.
Entities: Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, Mar-a-Lago, Venezuela, Marco RubioTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Paramilitary groups on motorcycles move to enforce crackdown in Venezuela | Fox News

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces, paramilitary groups known as colectivos, loyal to Maduro's regime, have initiated a crackdown on dissent in Venezuela. These groups, often armed and riding motorcycles, have been conducting searches, establishing checkpoints, and punishing those showing support for Maduro's removal. The colectivos are largely controlled by Diosdado Cabello, a close ally of Maduro, who has a $25 million bounty from the US State Department for corruption and drug trafficking. The crackdown has led to the detention of journalists, and residents are afraid to leave their homes, fearing their phones will be seized and searched for signs of dissent. Venezuelan military strategist Jose Garcia believes the focus is now on Cabello, who is considered unpredictable and dangerous.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, United States, Diosdado Cabello, ColectivosTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US troops injured during operation to capture Maduro - as Trump hails 'brilliant' military action | World News | Sky News

US President Donald Trump hailed a 'brilliant' military operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, resulting in the injury of at least seven US service members and the deaths of numerous Venezuelan and Cuban personnel. Trump described the operation as 'tactically brilliant' and 'complex', stating that 'many' were killed, mostly Cubans. Maduro's supporters protested the seizure, while the US is planning to intercept a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker.
Entities: Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela, Cuba, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Jasmine Crockett slams Trump as the 'Maduro of the United States' during 'The View' appearance | New York Post

Representative Jasmine Crockett compared Donald Trump to Nicolás Maduro during an appearance on 'The View', criticizing Trump's actions and questioning the legality of the US operation that captured Maduro. Crockett argued that Trump's actions were unconstitutional and lacked congressional approval. The article discusses Crockett's statements and the context surrounding the capture of Maduro, as well as the differing views on the operation's legality between Crockett and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Entities: Jasmine Crockett, Donald Trump, Nicolás Maduro, The View, TexasTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Maduro's arrival is the first domino to fall — as a Khamenei arrest could be next | New York Post

The article discusses the potential domino effect of the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and the possible arrest or flight of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The author suggests that the Trump administration's actions are part of a larger strategy to spread freedom and democracy, and that the removal of Maduro and potentially Khamenei could have significant geopolitical implications. The article also touches on the reaction of the American left to these events, criticizing their perceived anti-American bias and support for authoritarian regimes.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Venezuela, Iran, RussiaTone: positiveSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

After Trump’s Military Victory in Venezuela, Cuba’s Economy Is in ‘Freefall’ - The New York Times

Cuba's economy is in a state of crisis following the Trump administration's military victory in Venezuela, which had been a key oil supplier to the island nation. The collapse of the Venezuelan government has led to a significant reduction in oil shipments to Cuba, exacerbating the country's existing economic woes. Cubans are experiencing widespread blackouts, food shortages, and a lack of access to basic necessities like medicine and gasoline. The government's response has been criticized for being inadequate, and some are calling for more private enterprise and reform. The economic situation is dire, with a significant portion of the population living in poverty and a large number of Cubans emigrating from the country.
Entities: Cuba, Venezuela, United States, Nicolás Maduro, Donald TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The Maduro effect: regime change fears grip Asia’s autocrats after US raid on Venezuela | South China Morning Post

The US operation to abduct Venezuela's former leader Nicolas Maduro has sent shock waves across Asia, with authoritarian rulers fearing they could be next and likely drawing closer to Moscow and Beijing. The raid has been widely condemned by countries including China, Russia, Cuba, and North Korea, who denounced it as a violation of international law. Analysts say the operation has asserted Washington's extraterritorial law enforcement, making autocratic leaders wary of US adventurism.
Entities: Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela, United States, Asia, MoscowTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Wednesday briefing: What Europe’s silence over Venezuela says about its fear of Trump | Venezuela | The Guardian

The article discusses Europe's muted response to the US intervention in Venezuela, where Nicolás Maduro was seized by US forces. European leaders have welcomed the end of Maduro's rule but avoided explicitly endorsing the US action, citing concerns about international law. The article suggests that Europe's restraint is driven by a desire not to antagonize Trump, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for US security guarantees. The article also touches on the implications of Trump's actions for the international order and the potential consequences for Europe if the US were to take similar actions in the future, such as acquiring Greenland.
Entities: Europe, Venezuela, US, Nicolás Maduro, Donald TrumpTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

In Maduro’s capture, Russia sees a great-power rival act with impunity - The Washington Post

The article discusses Russia's reaction to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, a key Kremlin ally, by President Donald Trump's administration. Russia views this move as a brazen incursion into Venezuela and a return to great-power politics, where larger states dominate their regional spheres of influence with impunity. The article highlights the geopolitical implications of this event and how it reflects a shift in global politics.
Entities: Russia, Nicolás Maduro, Kremlin, Donald Trump, VenezuelaTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Maduro raid killed about 75 in Venezuela, U.S. officials assess - The Washington Post

The US government estimates that around 75 people were killed during a military raid aimed at capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. The operation resulted in a gun battle at Maduro's compound in Caracas, leading to dozens of fatalities. The article cites officials familiar with the matter, providing insight into the severity of the incident.
Entities: Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, Caracas, United States, The Washington PostTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform