The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro - Up First Recap

Podcast: Up First

Published: 2026-01-03

Duration: 16 minutes

Guests: Kerry Kahn, Franco Ordonez, Greg Myrie

Summary

The U.S. launched a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and flying him to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges.

What Happened

The United States has conducted a significant military operation in Venezuela, targeting the capital Caracas and other regions, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Trump announced that Maduro has been flown out of Venezuela and will face charges in the Southern District of New York. This action follows months of increased U.S. military presence and pressure in the Caribbean, aimed at ousting Maduro, who has been accused of leading a violent drug cartel and other crimes.

NPR's South America correspondent, Kerry Kahn, reports from Rio de Janeiro, confirming that Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody. Venezuelan Vice President Delsi Rodriguez has expressed indignation on state TV, demanding proof of Maduro's condition and asserting that defense plans are in motion.

Early morning explosions were reported in Caracas, with eyewitness accounts describing aircraft circling the city and fires at the military airport, La Carlota. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino accused the U.S. of targeting not only military sites but provided no evidence for these claims.

Regional reactions have been mixed, with Cuba condemning the attack, Colombia preparing for potential refugee inflows, and Argentina's President supporting the U.S. action. Notably, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has not been heard from since leaving Venezuela.

Franco Ordonez from NPR's White House team discusses the unprecedented nature of this U.S. operation, drawing parallels to past actions like the capture of Manuel Noriega. The White House plans to release more details at a press conference, while U.S. officials confirm that Maduro will stand trial on various charges.

The situation raises questions about Venezuela's political future, with Vice President Rodriguez potentially stepping in temporarily. The alignment of Venezuela's military and the response of Maduro loyalists remain uncertain, as does the broader impact on U.S. foreign policy and Trump's America-first agenda.

National Security Correspondent Greg Myrie elaborates on the operation's execution and Maduro's uncertain current location, highlighting the challenges of maintaining stability in Venezuela post-operation. The U.S.'s next steps in the region are still to be determined.

Key Insights

• The United States has conducted a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who has been transported to face charges in the Southern District of New York.
• Explosions and aircraft activity were reported in Caracas, with fires at La Carlota military airport, as part of the U.S. operation targeting multiple sites in Venezuela.
• Regional reactions vary, with Cuba condemning the U.S. action, Colombia preparing for refugee inflows, and Argentina's President supporting the operation, reflecting differing geopolitical alignments in Latin America.
• The operation raises questions about Venezuela's political future, with Vice President Delsi Rodriguez potentially assuming leadership temporarily, while the loyalty of the military and Maduro supporters remains uncertain.