Nicolás Maduro captured by United States aboard warship
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 10
Nicolás Maduro captured by United States aboard warship
13 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 10
The reported 3 January seizure triggered celebrations among Venezuelan migrants in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, with many initially saying they would return home.
Yet the UN says most of Venezuela's vast diaspora remains abroad, reflecting doubts over whether Maduro's removal has changed conditions enough to make return viable.
The episode follows years of mass emigration driven by dire conditions in Venezuela, leaving the country's political upheaval with uncertain consequences for regional migration.
Millions of Venezuelans celebrated Maduro's fall. Why are so few returning, and what will it take to finally bring them home?
With Maduro gone, is Venezuela on a path to recovery or has it become a U.S. economic colony?
The U.S. captured a foreign leader, bypassing international law. What does this 'victory' mean for the future of global sovereignty?
Operation Absolute Resolve: How the U.S. Captured Nicolás Maduro in 2026 and Redrew Venezuela’s Fate
Overview
On January 3, 2026, a dramatic overnight raid in Caracas led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, marking the success of Operation Absolute Resolve. This operation was made possible by months of covert intelligence gathering by a CIA team, which began as early as August and included insights from a human source close to Maduro. Careful tactical planning and precise timing, aided by detailed surveillance of Maduro’s daily routines, allowed U.S. forces to execute the mission under challenging conditions, resulting in the swift and effective apprehension of the Venezuelan leader.