Venezuela Crisis Explained: The U.S. Abduction of Nicolás Maduro

What is being claimed?

Venezuela Crisis: Reports circulating in international media and online platforms allege that Nicolás Maduro, the sitting president of Venezuela, was secretly abducted by the United States during a covert military operation. According to these claims, U.S. forces carried out a rapid overnight action in Caracas, removed Maduro & his wife Cilia Flores from the country, and transferred him to U.S. custody.

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Operation Absolute Resolve: Claimed Timeline Explained

Key Timeline of Events (As Claimed)

🟢 11:46 PM (Friday, local time | 03:46 GMT Saturday)
Donald Trump reportedly gave the final authorization for Operation Absolute Resolve, approving a large-scale covert action targeting Venezuela’s leadership. (Venezuela Crisis)

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✈️ Late Friday Night – Early Saturday (Venezuela Crisis)
According to statements attributed to Gen. Charles Q. Brown’s successor Dan Caine, weather conditions briefly cleared, allowing a narrow operational window:

• ~150 aircraft involved
• 20 airbases across the Western Hemisphere
• Described as an operation only “the most skilled aviators in the world” could execute

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⚡ Electronic & Air Defense Strike (Venezuela Crisis)
U.S. forces allegedly disabled Venezuela’s air defence systems.
Trump later claimed that “the lights of Caracas were largely turned off”, hinting at cyber or electronic warfare capabilities without providing details.

Several loud explosions were reported across Caracas, suggesting synchronized strikes.

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💥 Operation Duration (Venezuela Crisis)
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly described the action as a:

“Massive joint military and law enforcement raid”

• Total duration: less than 30 minutes

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🚁 2:01 AM (Saturday | 06:01 GMT)
U.S. helicopters allegedly landed at Nicolás Maduro’s compound in Caracas.

• Maduro and his wife were reportedly taken into custody
• No official clarification on:
  • Exchange of fire
  • Resistance or surrender
  • Casualties

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🛬 4:29 AM (08:29 GMT)
Roughly 2.5 hours later, Maduro was allegedly transferred to a U.S. aircraft carrier and flown toward New York. (Venezuela Crisis)

Trump later posted an image on Truth Social showing:

• Maduro blindfolded
• Wearing a grey tracksuit
• Seated in what appeared to be U.S. custody

Why would the U.S. target Maduro?

The alleged operation is framed by its proponents around three long-standing issues:

• Sanctions & legitimacy: The U.S. has not recognized Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader since 2019, backing opposition claims of electoral fraud.
• Criminal allegations: U.S. authorities have previously accused Maduro of narco-terrorism and corruption, offering rewards for information leading to his arrest.
• Regional security: Washington has argued that Venezuela under Maduro destabilizes Latin America through migration pressure, drug trafficking, and ties with U.S. adversaries.

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How did the alleged operation unfold?

According to the circulating timeline:

• A pre-dawn military strike reportedly targeted strategic locations in Caracas.
• A compound raid allegedly resulted in Maduro’s capture.
• Within hours, U.S. leadership is said to have announced his detention, followed by reports of his transfer abroad.

However, Venezuelan state media and allied governments deny these claims, insisting Maduro remains in control.

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Global reaction

• Venezuela & allies: Condemned the reports as disinformation or, if true, labeled it an “act of war.”
• Latin America: Expressed alarm over sovereignty violations and the risk of regional escalation.
• International law experts: Warn that abducting a sitting head of state would violate the UN Charter unless justified under extreme legal exceptions.
• United Nations: The United Nations called for maximum restraint, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. Several member states demanded an emergency UN Security Council meeting, warning that the use of force against a sitting head of state could undermine the foundations of the UN Charter.
• Russia: Russia strongly condemned the alleged operation, calling it a “gross violation of international law and national sovereignty.” Moscow accused Washington of setting a dangerous precedent and warned that such actions could destabilize not only Latin America but the global order.
• Latin America: Reactions across Latin America were largely critical:
  • Brazil and Mexico urged immediate de-escalation and respect for sovereignty.
  • Several regional blocs warned that military interventions could revive an era of instability reminiscent of Cold War–era conflicts in the region.
• European Union: The European Union adopted a cautious tone, expressing concern over the reports and stressing the need for international verification. EU officials reiterated that any resolution must comply with international law and protect civilian lives.
• China: Beijing on Sunday insisted the safety of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be a priority, and called on the US to “stop toppling the government of Venezuela”, calling the attack a “clear violation of international law“.
• India: India described the situation as a “matter of deep concern”, emphasizing dialogue, restraint, and the safety of Venezuelan civilians. New Delhi reaffirmed its support for peaceful solutions and regional stability.

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Why this matters

If proven true, such an act would be one of the most dramatic interventions against a sitting head of state in modern history, reshaping norms around sovereignty, regime change, and international law. Even as an unverified claim, it underscores how fragile Venezuela’s crisis remains—and how quickly it could trigger global consequences.

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