• Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores were flown to New York by US forces, where authorities say they will face drug trafficking and terrorism charges

• Over 150 aircraft and US special forces were involved in operation, which split Latin America as several governments condemned the strike while others welcomed it

​​​​​BOGOTA, Colombia 

Months of steadily rising tensions between Washington and Caracas came to a head early Saturday as the US staged what US President Donald Trump called a "large-scale strike" that resulted in the capture of Venezuela's president.

Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores were taken off a plane at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York, flanked by US law enforcement, hours after the US operation that reports indicate killed a total of at least 40 civilians and military personnel.

Hours after the operation, US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Flores and Maduro, who had claimed victory in elections in 2024, would face drug trafficking and terrorism charges in New York. Venezuela and its leader have long been accused by the Trump administration of sending narcotics and migrants to US shores.

Caracas has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and has said that Washington sought to overthrow Maduro in order to seize Venezuelan oil reserves.

“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," said Bondi.

After landing in New York just before 5 pm, Maduro was reportedly taken via helicopter to Lower Manhattan, en route to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He is expected to appear in court next week, in the US District Court for the Southern District in New York.

How did 'Operation Absolute Resolve' unfold?

It was Trump who announced the operation and Maduro's capture at 4.21 am, following reports of strikes in the South American country's capital and footage on social media showing explosions light up the night sky as US combat planes targeted specific installations during the intense raid. At least seven distinct explosions were felt across Caracas.

The attack, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," commenced at 10.46 pm Friday, with over 150 US aircraft in the air, launched from 20 different locations across the Western Hemisphere, according to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Reports indicate that the aircraft involved included F-18, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets, as well as B-1 bombers, electronic warfare planes, and command-and-control aircraft, providing cover to low-flying helicopter-borne special forces that ultimately seized Maduro and Flores.

By 3.30 am, the two had been taken to the US Navy ship Iwo Jima before being boarded onto a plane to be taken to New York.

The operation was the result of a massive buildup of US military force — roughly 15,000 troops — in the Caribbean since August, imposing a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuelan waters, as well as "months of planning and rehearsal," according to Caine.

The Venezuelan government, now led by Maduro's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, labeled the US strikes on military and civilian hubs an act of "imperialist" aggression.

All airports near Caracas were seized or destroyed by US forces, except for the international airport of Maiquetia, to prevent government allies from leaving the country.

How have government officials reacted?

Soon after taking control of the government, Rodriguez insisted that the US immediately provide verification that Maduro and Flores are alive. She said that while the nation has been struck, its spirit remains defiant.

“They have attacked us, but they will not break us.”

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello addressed the public in protective tactical gear, urging calm to avoid assisting the "invading enemy." He characterized the early morning operation as a "criminal" massacre and called for a global outcry from international bodies.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned helicopter-led missile strikes on residential sectors and confirmed that emergency teams were scouring the area for victims.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil verified that the strikes resulted in deaths among both the armed forces and the civilians. He described the destruction of various military and residential buildings as the outcome of a “cowardly and vastly disproportionate assault,” launched by those he claimed lacked any sense of rationality.

Regional reactions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro was among the first to react to the US operation, using social media at 2.00 am to sound the alarm on the missile strikes.

“Caracas is being bombed right now. Alert everyone, Venezuela has been attacked. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and the UN must meet immediately,” he wrote on US social media company X. His country moved its military to the border, with Petro citing fears of a massive refugee exodus.

Condemnations also poured in from the governments of Mexico, Chile, and Cuba.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the US operation as a “criminal attack” and called for an urgent international response, describing the strike as state terrorism against Venezuela and the broader region. Cuba’s foreign minister said the assault amounted to cowardly acts against a country that posed no threat to the United States.

Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly” rejected the US military action, arguing it violated the UN Charter and international law. The ministry reiterated that dialogue remained the only viable path forward and said Mexico stood ready to facilitate talks between the parties.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric expressed concern over the escalation and urged a peaceful, dialogue-based resolution, reaffirming Santiago’s commitment to international law.

Brazil emerged as one of the most vocal critics. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the bombings and capture of Maduro crossed an unacceptable line, calling them a grave affront to Venezuela’s sovereignty and a dangerous precedent. Brazil’s Foreign Ministry confirmed close coordination with Caracas, while defense officials said the border remained calm and open despite heightened monitoring.

Colombia, which shares a long and porous border with Venezuela, said it had deployed security forces amid fears of a mass refugee influx. President Gustavo Petro rejected unilateral military action and warned of risks to civilians.

By contrast, governments aligned with Washington welcomed the operation. Argentinian President Javier Milei hailed the reported capture of Maduro as an advance for “freedom.” El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele amplified criticism of Caracas on social media, while Paraguay said the operation could pave the way for restoring democratic order. Panama and Peru echoed US-backed calls for political transition, with Lima reiterating its view that Maduro’s government lacks legitimacy.

Trinidad and Tobago, which has faced prior allegations of cooperation with US enforcement actions against Venezuela, denied any involvement in Saturday’s operation.