The United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela and captured President Maduro on Saturday, January 3, 2025. The U.S. had been building up its military presence in the Caribbean (SOF News) during the fall of 2025.

Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for drug smuggling. He faces criminal court proceedings tied to a 2020 indictment from the U.S. Department of Justice. The United States had a $50 million reward (state.gov) for the apprehension of Maduro. The U.S. has been attacking narco-boats carrying drugs leaving Venezuela shores and seized sanctioned oil tankers departing Venezuela with oil.