Story perspectives

Maduro Claims Kidnapping After U.S. Raid Injures Him

1/7/2026

Center

Maduro Captured, Injured

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were injured and captured during a U.S. Delta Force raid in Caracas.
They received medical evaluations after arriving at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.
Both appeared in federal court on drug conspiracy charges and pleaded not guilty.
Flores' attorney reported potential fractured ribs.
Maduro said he was kidnapped and declared, “I am a prisoner of war.”

Right

Maduro Captured, Violence Escalates

Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan President, has been captured by U.S. forces, triggering escalating violence.
Armed pro-regime groups known as Colectivos patrol streets and target dissent.
Fourteen journalists were detained during the induction of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, who declared a state of emergency.
Diosdado Cabello, a key regime figure, orders police to hunt down supporters of the U.S. operation.
Residents fear leaving their homes amid armed checkpoints and searches.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989 aimed to oust General Manuel Noriega, who faced drug trafficking charges. This military action involved over 27,000 troops and resulted in significant civilian casualties, estimated between 500 and 1,000. The invasion marked a pivotal moment in U.S. intervention in Latin America, echoing ongoing tensions with leaders like Nicolás Maduro, also accused of drug-related offenses.

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Maduro Captured, Injured

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were injured and captured during a U.S. Delta Force raid in Caracas.
They received medical evaluations after arriving at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York.
Both appeared in federal court on drug conspiracy charges and pleaded not guilty.
Flores' attorney reported potential fractured ribs.
Maduro said he was kidnapped and declared, “I am a prisoner of war.”

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