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Trump Announces Capture of Maduro, U.S. Seizes Oil Interests

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. military operation.
The operation followed months of strikes and efforts to oust Maduro.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Maduro for narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking.
The DOJ revised the indictment to describe a patronage system fueled by corruption.
Trump said the U.S. would manage Venezuela and reclaim oil interests up to $3 billion.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. invasion of Panama on December 20, 1989, aimed to depose Manuel Noriega, who had become a liability due to his drug trafficking and corruption. Noriega's ties to the Medellín Cartel and his role in regional conflicts had strained U.S. relations. This intervention marked a significant moment in U.S. military history, reinforcing its commitment to combat drug-related corruption in Latin America.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. military operation.
The operation followed months of strikes and efforts to oust Maduro.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Maduro for narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking.
The DOJ revised the indictment to describe a patronage system fueled by corruption.
Trump said the U.S. would manage Venezuela and reclaim oil interests up to $3 billion.

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