The first image of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following his reported arrest by US military forces has emerged online, marking what could be the end of his controversial rule.
The photo purportedly shows Maduro detained by US personnel amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
People are celebrating Maduro’s fall and social medias are surfaced with such celebration moments’ glimpses.
President Trump Holds a Press Conference, Jan. 3, 2026
Trump announced right now the US will rule until the peaceful transition
President Donald Trump said the US would “run” Venezuela until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”.
Trump said, “We want peace, liberty and justice for the great people of Venezuela, and that includes many from Venezuela that are now living in the United States and want to go back to their country.”
Looking ahead, Venezuela’s future post-Maduro remains uncertain, with potential for an interim government, opposition leadership or international intervention to fill the power vacuum. Allies like Russia, China and Iran may respond aggressively, while lifted sanctions could pave the way for economic recovery, though entrenched issues like corruption and infrastructure decay will require sustained efforts. As the world watches, the rise and fall of Nicolás Maduro serve as a cautionary tale of power, ideology and the fragile balance of global relations.
Venezuela’s Maduro Captured and Flown Out Amid US Strikes
US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, flying them out of the country after a major military operation, according to announcements from former President Donald Trump.
The arrest follows a large-scale US strike on Venezuela, with Trump confirming the details in a post on Truth Social: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
Sources indicate that Maduro was detained by the elite Delta Force unit early on Saturday, in Caracas. There has been no immediate response or confirmation from the Venezuelan government, leaving the situation fluid as reports of explosions and strikes continue to surface from the capital.
Background: US-Venezuela Tensions Over Drugs and Elections
The conflict between the US and Venezuela has intensified over recent months, primarily due to allegations of drug trafficking. US officials have accused Maduro of operating a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 presidential election, while Maduro has countered that the US aims to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves—the largest proven reserves globally.
Prior to the strike, the US imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela and conducted operations to intercept drug-carrying vessels. Multiple warnings were issued, culminating in the indictment of Maduro on narco-terrorism charges in 2020. This latest action draws parallels to past US interventions, such as the capture of Panama’s Manuel Noriega in 1989.
Original article
Comments