US forces capture Maduro in Venezuela

American forces have captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation in Caracas, and flown them to the United States.

The operation began at around 2am local time on 3 January, when explosions were heard across northern Venezuela. American aircraft bombed air defences and other targets while a special force attacked Maduro's compound in the capital.

Operation Absolute Resolve

The operation, codenamed Absolute Resolve, lasted several hours. Venezuelan officials say members of the country's security forces were killed, and the Cuban government says Cuban military and intelligence personnel who were protecting Maduro also died. Several American soldiers were wounded.

Maduro and Flores were taken to New York, where they face charges of drug trafficking. American prosecutors have accused Maduro for years of leading a drug trafficking network, which he has always denied.

Trump's justification

President Donald Trump said the operation was a law enforcement action with military support, and that he had the constitutional authority to order it. He has made clear that access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves is an important part of American policy towards the country.

Venezuela's vice-president, Delcy Rodriguez, has denounced what she called the kidnapping of the president and demanded his return.

International reaction

United Nations officials and many international lawyers say the raid breaches the UN Charter and Venezuela's sovereignty. Reaction around the world has been divided, with some governments condemning the operation and others welcoming the end of Maduro's rule.

Venezuelans living abroad have celebrated in cities around the world, while protests against the American action have taken place elsewhere.

Maduro's rule

Maduro was chosen by Hugo Chavez as his successor and became president in 2013. His time in power has been marked by a deep economic collapse, hyperinflation and shortages of food and medicine, which have driven millions of Venezuelans to leave the country.

He has been accused of authoritarian rule, and his claim to have won the 2024 presidential election was rejected by the opposition and many foreign governments.

What happens next?

It is not yet clear who will lead Venezuela. The government remains in place, and Rodriguez is expected to take charge.

Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, although its production has fallen sharply in recent years. What happens to that oil is likely to be one of the biggest questions in the weeks ahead.