Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces
Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces became global breaking news after US lawmakers and officials confirmed that US personnel arrested the Venezuelan leader to stand trial in the United States. The development followed reports of US strikes, explosions in Caracas Venezuela, and questions about whether the US is at war with Venezuela.
What US officials said about the arrest
Republican US Senator Mike Lee said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him that Nicolas Maduro was arrested 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 action seen during the operation was used to protect US personnel.
Lee posted on X that Rubio expects no further US military action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody. He added that the operation may fall under the president’s authority under Article II of the US Constitution to protect US forces from attack.
Earlier, Lee questioned whether the US attack on Venezuela had legal backing. He said he wanted clarity because there was no declaration of war or authorization for military force.
Trump administration position on Maduro
The Trump administration has long described the Venezuela president as a criminal figure. During Donald Trump’s first term, US prosecutors charged Maduro in 2020 in the Southern District of New York. The charges included narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
The US also announced financial rewards for Maduro’s arrest. The bounty started at $15 million. It increased to $25 million in early January 2025. After Trump returned to office for a second term, the reward rose to $50 million in August 2025. The US also designated Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization and claimed Maduro led the group.Marco Rubio said the accusations were based on evidence presented to a grand jury. He said the indictment was not political talk.
Trump and senior officials confirm custody
Donald Trump posted on social media that Maduro had been captured in conjunction with US law enforcement. He said more details would follow. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the operation marked a new phase for Venezuela. He said Maduro would face justice in the US.
US officials did not immediately disclose where Maduro was taken. Reports focused on US custody and pending trial proceedings.
Venezuela response to US attack
Venezuela officials rejected the US narrative. Vice President for Policy, Citizen Security and Peace Diosdado Cabello said the US only partially achieved its goals. He said bombs and missiles failed to create fear among people. He said the country remained calm.
Cabello addressed security forces and said Venezuela knew how to move forward. He did not confirm Maduro’s location or status but criticized the US bombing Venezuela and US attacks Venezuela.
UN Security Council request
Venezuela requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto said the US attack on Venezuela violated international norms. He said Venezuela sent a letter to the UN seeking action.
Gil said no attack would break the country. He said Venezuela would respond through diplomatic channels. The request added to world news coverage across CNN, Reuters, AP News, Fox News, ABC News, and Al Jazeera.
Questions about war and legality
The arrest raised questions such as why is the US attacking Venezuela, is the US at war with Venezuela, and did the US invade Venezuela. US officials said the action focused on executing an arrest warrant and protecting personnel. They said no broader war Venezuela was planned.
Venezuela allies including Cuba and regional partners watched developments closely. Reports mentioned Caracas news, explosions in Caracas Venezuela, and security locations like Fuerte Tiuna.
What happens next
US officials expect legal proceedings in the United States. Venezuela continues diplomatic outreach. The situation remains a major focus of world news, breaking news Venezuela, and US Venezuela relations.
FAQs
Q1: Has Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces been confirmed by US officials?
Yes. US Senator Mike Lee said Marco Rubio confirmed Maduro was arrested by US personnel to face criminal charges in the United States.
Q2: Does Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro captured by US forces mean war with Venezuela?
US officials say no war is planned. They say the action focused on enforcing an arrest warrant and protecting US personnel during the operation.