The C.I.A. assessed Venezuela’s future without Maduro ahead of the U.S. operation.

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Julian E. Barnes and Tyler PagerJanuary 6, 2026 at 03:49 AM

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long article 6 min

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan courthouse to federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation after being captured in Caracas by U.S. Army Delta Force commandos. Maduro, who maintains he is still the legitimate president, was brought to the United States along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also indicted. His lawyer is expected to challenge the legality of the arrest, citing Maduro's status as head of a sovereign government and potential violations of international law regarding immunity for foreign leaders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Maduro as a fugitive from American justice, framing the operation as primarily a law enforcement matter. The capture of Maduro leaves the future of Venezuela uncertain.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hugo Chávez 35% Cilia Flores 40% Marco Rubio 45% Alvin K. Hellerstein ×250% Barry Pollack ×250% Caracas 60% Manhattan ×260% Army Delta Force 65% Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) 70% United States ×380% Venezuela ×285% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×1195%

Keywords

nicolás maduro 100% venezuela 80% arrest 70% federal charges 70% courtroom 60% legality of arrest 60% u.s. operation 50% international law 50% narco-terrorism 40% cocaine importation 40%