Overview
- President Trump announced that U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a large-scale strike on Venezuelan targets.
- The operation is being measured against the 1989 seizure of Manuel Noriega, which occurred on this date 36 years ago.
- Maduro has faced U.S. drug-trafficking and corruption charges since 2020, when prosecutors indicted him and the State Department posted a $50 million reward.
- Experts caution Venezuela differs sharply from Panama, citing an intact, coup-proofed FANB, a lack of U.S. troops on the ground, a call by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López for “massive deployment,” and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez’s demand for proof of life.
- Regional leaders issued swift rebukes and precautions, with Cuba denouncing the strike, Colombia preparing border deployments, Mexico condemning the action, and analysts noting unanswered questions about congressional authorization and a post-capture plan.