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Venezuela: US captures Nicolás Maduro; son reveals emotional first call and calls it kidnapping
US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and wife Cilia Flores in a military operation on January 3, 2026. Maduro's son Nicolás Maduro Guerra described an emotional first call with his father and labeled the capture a kidnapping, seeking international solidarity.
Why It Matters
The US intervention marks a major escalation in tensions with Venezuela, challenging sovereignty and raising questions on international law, extradition, and regional stability.
Timeline
7 Events
US Senate hearing on Venezuela intervention
January 28, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio states goal is a Venezuela with legitimate democratic elections.
Maduro Guerra declares elections off table
January 27, 2026
Venezuelan congressman Nicolás Maduro Guerra states elections in Venezuela are not on the table as his father was kidnapped.
Maduro Guerra pushes global diplomatic effort
January 17, 2026
Maduro Guerra speaks at jurists' meeting in Caracas, proposes consensus document denouncing aggression, urges allies to take it to international bodies, and frames father as symbol of resistance.
Maduro's son speaks emotionally in National Assembly
January 6, 2026
Nicolás Maduro Guerra breaks down in Venezuela's National Assembly, reveals emotional first call with captured father, describes US action as kidnapping, condemns sovereignty violation, and calls for international solidarity.
Maduro and Flores arraigned in New York court
January 5, 2026
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores appear in Manhattan federal court, plead not guilty to drug trafficking charges. Maduro calls himself a prisoner of war captured at home in Caracas. Judge orders detention until March 17 hearing.
Trump announces capture
January 3, 2026, 05:21 VET
US President Trump announces Maduro and Flores captured and flown out. Posts photo of Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima.
US launches Operation Absolute Resolve
January 3, 2026, 2:00 a.m. VET
US Armed Forces bomb infrastructure in northern Venezuela to suppress air defenses. Delta Force attacks Maduro's compound in Caracas and captures Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.