Story perspectives

U.S. Operatives Capture Maduro in Bold Caracas Operation

1/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nearly 200 U.S. personnel participated in Caracas operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan president, per Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
The operation involved more than 150 military aircraft and marked an escalation in U.S. actions against Maduro, accused of drug trafficking.
Maduro and his wife were captured and entered not guilty pleas in a New York court.
Hegseth emphasized the operation's success in supporting U.S. law enforcement and ending Maduro's rule.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Panama on December 20, 1989, aimed to depose Manuel Noriega, accused of drug trafficking and corruption, involving over 27,000 troops. This military action, the largest since Vietnam, sought to restore democracy and protect U.S. citizens. The recent U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela echoes this interventionist approach, raising ongoing concerns about U.S. foreign policy in Latin America.

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Story summary

Nearly 200 U.S. personnel participated in Caracas operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan president, per Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
The operation involved more than 150 military aircraft and marked an escalation in U.S. actions against Maduro, accused of drug trafficking.
Maduro and his wife were captured and entered not guilty pleas in a New York court.
Hegseth emphasized the operation's success in supporting U.S. law enforcement and ending Maduro's rule.

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