US Operation in Venezuela: Maduro Captured, Handcuffed After Arrival in New York

US Strikes Venezuela: Maduro Captured, Delcy Rodríguez Takes Over as Acting President.

The United States carried out a strike in Caracas on Saturday, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Footage from a US agency office in New York shows Maduro handcuffed, briefly addressing the camera to wish viewers a “Happy New Year.”

Following the operation, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume the powers of acting president, citing Maduro’s “material and temporary impossibility to exercise his functions.” Rodríguez now leads the country on an interim basis.

The event drew global attention. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted that the US could take similar action against other dictators. In India, Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram sought clarity from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on India’s position regarding the developments in Venezuela.

US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that Caribbean airspace restrictions imposed during the operation have now been lifted, allowing flights to resume.

A small group of pro-Maduro demonstrators rallied outside the White House, condemning the US action. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Venezuela issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, warning that the security situation remains volatile and advising citizens to stay alert and maintain communication with contacts abroad. No commercial flights are currently operating in or out of Venezuela.