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2d ago

U.S. Raid Seizing Maduro Leaves Dozens Reported Dead as Venezuela Enters Power Struggle

Dozens of deaths reported by Caracas officials highlight a volatile aftermath to the U.S. raid.

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Jesus Linares, 48, and his work partner Reggie Carrera inspect his damaged apartment building, after the U.S. launched a strike on Venezuela, capturing its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela January 4, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa
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A damaged building following U.S. strikes on Venezuela, during which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, January 4, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa

Overview

  • Captured in a pre-dawn operation, Nicolás Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody in New York to face federal narcotics and terrorism-linked charges.
  • At least 40 people were killed, according to a senior Venezuelan official, including a confirmed civilian death in Catia La Mar where an airstrike destroyed part of a residential building.
  • U.S. officials said no American troops were killed; Gen. Dan Caine reported extraction helicopters took fire, one was hit yet returned safely, and several U.S. service members were injured.
  • Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president in Caracas as rival claims to authority persisted and President Trump said the United States would run Venezuela until a transition.
  • Strikes damaged infrastructure and power grids, leaving parts of Caracas in the dark, while PDVSA moved to cut crude output as exports stalled and daily life in the capital slowed under an uneasy calm.