After President’s Capture, U.S. and Venezuela Explore Restoring Diplomatic Ties

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the US role in Venezuela could last for years following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. Trump refrained from giving a specific timeline but suggested it would extend beyond a year. The US has asserted control over Venezuela, particularly its oil sales, despite claims from interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that no foreign power governs Caracas. Trump stated the US is working well with Rodriguez's government, while the Venezuelan interior minister reported that 100 people were killed during the US operation to abduct Maduro. Maduro was taken to New York to face drug and weapons charges.

Venezuela is open to a potential oil deal with the US, according to interim president Delcy Rodríguez, despite strained relations. This comes as the US, under Donald Trump's administration, asserts control over Venezuelan oil resources. JD Vance stated Venezuela can only sell oil if it benefits US interests. The US plans to manage Venezuelan crude sales, potentially influencing global oil prices. Trump announced a deal to access up to $2 billion of Venezuelan crude and declared that Venezuela will only buy US-made products with the profits. The US aims to control all oil transport in and out of Venezuela through approved channels, raising concerns about US influence over global oil supplies.

In a New York Times interview on January 8, 2026, President Trump stated that the U.S. oversight of Venezuela, including oil extraction, could last for years. He indicated the U.S. would rebuild Venezuela profitably, using and taking its oil to lower prices and provide the country with needed funds. These remarks followed administration officials announcing plans to control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely. While Republicans largely support the administration's actions, Democrats have expressed concerns about a potentially lengthy intervention without clear legal justification. Trump did not specify a timeline for the U.S. role in Venezuela, suggesting it would be "much longer" than a few months.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuela is experiencing intensified repression. Security forces are searching phones, interrogating citizens, and detaining individuals suspected of celebrating Maduro's removal. This crackdown occurs as the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, publicly demands Maduro's release and condemns the U.S. action. Despite this criticism, the U.S. expresses confidence in Rodríguez's cooperation, with indications suggesting potential alignment. The situation highlights the continued presence of Maduro's political and security apparatus, and a worsening of daily life for Venezuelans. At least 14 journalists and six citizens were detained; most have been released.

Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will be "turning over" $2 billion in crude oil to the United States. Trump stated the funds from the sale, controlled by him, would benefit both the Venezuelan and US people. The deal could divert Venezuelan oil supplies away from China, Venezuela's top buyer since US sanctions in 2020. The agreement follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces and demands for US access to Venezuela's oil industry. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright will oversee the transfer of oil from ships to US ports. Currently, Chevron is the only company exporting Venezuelan oil to the US under a US authorization, shipping between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day. It is unclear if Venezuela will have access to the proceeds due to existing sanctions.

Following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by the United States, Venezuelans are facing an uncertain future. Maduro and his wife were taken to the U.S. to face drug trafficking and weapons charges after an operation in Caracas that reportedly resulted in dozens of deaths, including Cuban security forces. While some Venezuelans are cautiously welcoming Maduro's removal, others, like Rosa Contreras, feel humiliated and are protesting his detention. Maduro's vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, has assumed interim power, and police are patrolling the streets, with reports of journalists being detained. The U.S. government has stated it will "run" Venezuela, but the specifics of this plan remain unclear, leaving many unsure of what will happen next.

Cuba's official newspaper, Granma, reported that 32 Cuban military personnel were killed in Venezuela during what it described as a U.S. military operation against Nicolás Maduro. The Cuban government stated the deceased were part of missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, carried out at the request of Venezuela's government. The Cuban Foreign Minister condemned the U.S. action and asserted Cuba's readiness to defend itself against any U.S. intervention. The deceased, ranging in age from 26 to 60, included colonels, lieutenants, majors, captains, and reserve soldiers. Cuba announced two days of mourning following the incident.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign agent. This statement comes after Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Venezuela's prosecutor general condemned the US military operation as an act of terrorism and demanded Maduro's release. The operation, which resulted in numerous deaths, has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, with Venezuela and Cuba reporting military casualties. While President Trump initially stated the US would "run" Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio later clarified that the US would guide the country's direction through sanctions and access to its oil industry.

In early Saturday morning, U.S. Army helicopters carrying Delta Force commandos executed a raid in Caracas, Venezuela, targeting President Nicolás Maduro. The operation, codenamed Absolute Resolve, involved over 150 aircraft launched from 20 regional bases, supported by a cyberattack and radar-evading fighter jets. As the helicopters approached Maduro's location, they encountered gunfire, and one Chinook helicopter was hit, injuring the pilot. Despite the close call, the mission's success remained uncertain as the damaged helicopter struggled to stay airborne. President Trump, who described the operation as perfectly executed, has grown more confident in using military force for foreign policy objectives. He threatened similar action against Venezuela's interim leader if she resists U.S. directives.

In 2026, after Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in Venezuela, President Trump decided not to support opposition leader María Corina Machado as the country's next leader. Trump cited U.S. intelligence suggesting Machado would struggle to govern and a strained relationship between her and his administration as reasons for his decision. Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, warned that backing Machado could destabilize Venezuela further. Trump ultimately chose Maduro's vice president to lead, prioritizing stability and oil interests over promoting democracy, despite Machado's efforts to gain his favor. This decision marked a public break between the U.S. and Machado.

The BBC is examining the close relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, particularly in light of recent events. Following a military operation in Venezuela where Nicolás Maduro was seized, Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil supplies is now potentially vulnerable. The report explores how a collapse of Venezuela's oil supply could negatively impact Havana. Will Grant, the BBC's Cuba correspondent, is reporting from Cúcuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border, to provide insights into the situation. The report also includes video produced by Marina Costa and Gabriela Boccaccio, and graphics by Jean-li Lee.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated in a Fox News interview that she hasn't spoken to U.S. President Donald Trump since October 2025, despite praising his administration's military actions in Venezuela, specifically the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. Machado expressed gratitude for Trump's "courageous vision" in bringing Maduro to justice. Trump, however, has publicly questioned Machado's leadership potential and popular support within Venezuela. Machado, who won the opposition's presidential primary in 2023 but was barred from running, received the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway in December 2025 and plans to return to Venezuela "as soon as possible." Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim leader of Venezuela.

Following deadly US strikes on Venezuela and the capture of its leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, the US faced strong international condemnation at a UN Security Council emergency meeting on Monday. Several countries, including Brazil, China, Russia, and Spain, denounced the US actions as a "crime of aggression." Despite Republican assurances that the US is not at war, Democratic Senate leadership cautioned about the potential for a new conflict. The situation has also led to the diversion of over 28,000 federal law enforcement personnel to ICE enforcement and removal operations. The article highlights the international fallout and domestic concerns surrounding the US involvement in Venezuela.

In January 2026, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in New York City to address the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife by US special forces. The US intended to bring the pair to face drug trafficking charges in a US federal court. Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and China condemned the US operation as a violation of international law and an illegitimate armed attack. Even traditional US allies like Mexico and Denmark, who have been threatened by the US in the past, criticized the action. They warned that the abduction sets a dangerous precedent and violates national sovereignty, urging the council to act decisively.

On Monday, Venezuelan security forces detained at least 14 journalists, mostly from foreign news organizations, who were covering the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's seizure by US forces. The detentions occurred at the National Assembly, its surroundings, and in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, as well as near the Colombia-Venezuela border in Cúcuta. Authorities searched equipment, phones, and social media accounts of the journalists before releasing most of them later that day, though one reporter was deported. The detentions coincided with Delcy Rodríguez being sworn in as interim president and her expression of willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration. The media union condemned the incidents and called for the release of 23 other media workers still detained in Venezuela, while residents reported increased security presence and restrictions on free expression in Caracas.

On Monday, Venezuelan authorities detained 14 members of the news media in Caracas while they were working at or near the National Assembly. The journalists, many of whom work for international news organizations, were covering the first legislative session since the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. Military officers searched the journalists' cellphones, demanding access to personal data. All 14 were eventually released, but one reporter was deported from the country. Legislators at the session condemned Maduro's capture and demanded his return, while Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president.

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan leader, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. Maduro, who was captured in Caracas on Saturday by Army Delta Force commandos and transported to the U.S., claimed he was "kidnapped" and declared himself a "prisoner of war." Despite his protests, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein only confirmed his identity. Maduro's lawyer indicated they may challenge the legality of the arrest and the U.S. government's refusal to recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted, leaving Venezuela's future uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Maduro was a fugitive from American justice.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York City federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, two days after being abducted from Caracas by US special forces. They pleaded not guilty to US charges of "narco-terrorism" and other offenses. Maduro's lawyers plan to contest the legality of his arrest, citing his immunity as head of state, despite the US not recognizing him as Venezuela's legitimate leader. The couple could face life in prison if convicted of working with drug cartels. Maduro's next court hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drug and weapon charges in a New York City courtroom on Monday. Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped from his home in Caracas on January 3rd, declared himself a "prisoner of war" during the arraignment. The couple was arrested by US forces in Venezuela on Saturday in a surprise operation involving strikes on military bases. Dressed in jail attire, Maduro and Flores listened to the proceedings through Spanish translation headphones. The 40-minute hearing was held in the same courtroom where Sean "Diddy" Combs was previously tried.

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by American forces and his transport to the US, an interim president in Venezuela has offered to collaborate with the United States. This development occurred after Donald Trump warned of further strikes. Tensions are high at the Venezuelan border with Colombia. European leaders are divided on how to respond, struggling to balance welcoming the removal of an authoritarian leader with upholding international law regarding the US's actions. Europe is emphasizing the need for a democratic transition, noting their non-recognition of Maduro's legitimacy since the disputed 2024 elections. The US has declared it will run Venezuela and control its oil industry.

At a United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on January 5, 2026, the United States faced condemnation for its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and military incursion into Venezuela. Even U.S. allies, like France, criticized the action as a violation of international law that undermines international order. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres stated the U.S. violated the U.N. charter, while Russia and China demanded Maduro's release and a halt to further U.S. military action. The U.S. ambassador defended the action as a law enforcement operation against a narcotics fugitive, arguing it made Latin America safer. This was the second recent Security Council meeting addressing U.S. actions regarding Venezuela that were deemed threats to world order.

In January 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating he would defend Colombia against potential U.S. intervention. Petro's statement followed Trump's accusations that Colombia was facilitating drug trafficking and his suggestion of military action similar to the recent abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump's remarks were denounced by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as undue interference in internal affairs and a violation of international law. Petro, a former leftist fighter, has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies and denies the accusations of drug trafficking, asserting his government is actively combating drug production. The escalating tensions highlight a growing rift between the two nations.

Following Nicolas Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces and arraignment in a New York court, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on Monday. Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, insisting he was still the legitimate president and a "prisoner of war." The swearing-in ceremony in Venezuela's parliament included demands for Maduro's release. The U.S. defended its actions at the UN, citing Maduro's illegitimacy and the need to secure Venezuela's energy reserves. Venezuela's UN ambassador condemned the U.S. operation as an "illegitimate armed attack."

Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's president on January 5, 2026, following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation. Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, took her oath before the National Assembly, vowing to work for the peace and stability of Venezuela. She condemned the abduction of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The swearing-in ceremony was overseen by Rodriguez's brother, the president of the National Assembly, and Maduro's son. The event occurred as Maduro faced arraignment in a New York City courthouse on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. The U.S. has signaled that Rodriguez could face consequences if she does not align with U.S. priorities for Venezuela.

In Venezuela, acting president Delcy Rodriguez held a meeting with the country's cabinet ministers on January 5, 2026, following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez has indicated her openness to collaboration with the United States. In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating that there would be serious consequences if Rodriguez does not cooperate. The meeting and Trump's statement highlight the uncertain political situation in Venezuela and the potential for international involvement. The reasons for Maduro's abduction were not mentioned in the article.

In January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.