> At a Glance
> – Nicolás Maduro was seized by U.S. forces during a Caracas assault.
> – Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said his and his wife’s whereabouts remain unknown.
> – Trump’s Attorney General Pam Bondi warned of charges following a New York indictment.
> – Why it matters: The capture signals a dramatic escalation in Venezuela’s political crisis.
Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces on Saturday during an assault on Caracas, a move that could reshape the nation’s already turbulent political landscape. President Donald Trump announced the seizure early in the morning, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were still unaccounted for. The event follows months of intensified U.S. pressure and highlights the deepening crisis in Venezuela.
Capture in Caracas
U.S. forces launched an operation that led to Maduro’s apprehension in the capital. Trump posted on social media to announce the capture, and Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that charges would follow an indictment in New York.
- Maduro captured Saturday during U.S. attack.
- Trump announced via social media.
- Vice President said whereabouts unknown.
- Attorney General warned of charges.
Political Trajectory
Maduro’s rise began as a bus driver and union leader, later joining Chávez’s movement after a 1994 pardon. He served as lawmaker, National Assembly president, foreign minister, and briefly vice president before being named Chávez’s successor in 2013.
- Bus driver and union leader (1986-1994).
- Lawmaker (1994-2000).
- National Assembly president (2000-2006).
- Foreign minister (2006-2012).
- Vice president (2012-2013).
- President (2013-present).
Economic and Social Crisis
Maduro’s presidency has seen hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration. By 2020, the economy shrank 71%, inflation topped 130,000%, and oil production fell below 400,000 barrels/day.
- 7.7 million Venezuelans migrated.
- 43 deaths in 2015 protests.
- 100+ killed in 2017 protests.
- 2,000 detained after 2024 election.
International Pressure
U.S. sanctions froze Venezuelan assets and restricted business. Negotiations in 2021 ended hyperinflation and secured a sanctions license for Chevron, but political differences remained unresolved.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Ideological instruction in Cuba |
| 1994 | Presidential pardon for coup attempt |
| 2013 | Chávez death; Maduro elected |
| 2015 | National Assembly lost to opposition |
| 2017 | Constituent Assembly established |
| 2018 | Drone assassination attempt |
| 2021 | Economic measures end hyperinflation |
| 2024 | Election declares Maduro winner |
| 2025 | National Assembly swears in third term |
The 2024 election results were disputed, with opposition tally sheets indicating a 2-to-1 win for Edmundo González.
Key Takeaways
- Maduro’s capture marks a new phase in Venezuela’s crisis.
- His long political career spanned roles from union leader to president.
- Economic collapse and international sanctions have deepened the turmoil.
The seizure of Maduro could trigger a shift in power dynamics, but the nation remains in a state of uncertainty as the international community watches the unfolding events.
