what happens next after maduro capture by us: the shocking news that U.S. special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a daring overnight raid.
Hey everyone, I woke up today—like so many of you—to the shocking news that U.S. special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a daring overnight raid. It’s January 4, 2026, and this story is still unfolding fast. As someone who’s followed Latin American politics for years, I can’t help but feel a mix of disbelief and curiosity about where this is headed.President Trump announced the operation himself, calling it a “large-scale strike” that ended with Maduro being flown to New York to face long-standing narco-terrorism charges. Reports describe helicopters hitting military sites in Caracas, explosions lighting up the night sky, and elite troops extracting the couple with no U.S. casualties
But what now? Trump said the U.S. will temporarily “run” Venezuela, tapping into its massive oil reserves to fund a transition. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has been named acting president by Venezuela’s Supreme Court, though she’s vowed loyalty to Maduro and called for his release.Globally, reactions are all over the place—celebrations in Venezuelan communities abroad, protests in places like Paris and Caracas, and sharp criticism from leaders in Russia, China, and parts of Latin America who see this as a violation of sovereignty.reuters.com
This feels like a pivotal moment for Venezuela after years of crisis. Will it lead to real change, or more instability? I’m keeping a close eye on updates—share your thoughts in the comments. What do you think happens next?