LeadStory

Why did the US capture Venezuela's Maduro?

Asked 18 days ago

Answer

The US captured Maduro citing accusations of drug trafficking, illegitimacy, and alleged ties to drug cartels. Officials state the operation aimed to bring Maduro to face criminal charges in the US, following months of military pressure and strikes targeting drug smuggling. The US campaign is described as both a response to narcotics trafficking and a broader effort to remove Maduro from power.

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Euronews

Maduro to be brought to New York after Venezuela capture, Trump says

Euronews · 18 days ago
Euronews
Euronews
18 days ago
  • Trump says Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of Venezuela 6s
  • Trump confirmed the nighttime operation on social media after the attack 13s
  • Explosions reported in Caracas; Venezuela accuses U.S. of attacking sites 19s
  • Trump had threatened strikes on Venezuelan targets for months 56s
  • Maduro accused U.S. of trying to oust him and seize oil reserves 1m 9s

References

Maduro to be brought to New York after Venezuela capture, Trump says
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Euronews
18 days ago
Maduro to be brought to New York after Venezuela capture, Trump says

Earlier in the week, Maduro condemned US military operations as an attempt to oust him and seize Venezuela's oil reserves.

Venezuela slams U.S. strikes amid Maduro's ouster
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DW News
18 days ago
Venezuela slams U.S. strikes amid Maduro's ouster

These events follow weeks of US military action against alleged Venezuelan drug smuggling boats; the US charged Maduro with narco-terrorism, while Maduro accused Washington of seeking regime change and access to oil reserves.

Trump says Venezuela's Maduro captured after U.S. strikes
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Reuters
18 days ago
Trump says Venezuela's Maduro captured after U.S. strikes

President Trump announced the US struck Venezuela and captured Maduro after months of pressure over drug-running and illegitimacy accusations. Senator Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him Maduro was arrested by US forces to face criminal charges in the US.

U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela
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CBS News
18 days ago
U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela

The US targeted military sites in Venezuela, accusing President Maduro of authoritarianism and alleged ties to drug cartels. The operation follows months of military buildup and economic pressure.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro open to talks with Trump
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CBS News
19 days ago
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro open to talks with Trump

President Trump cited drug trafficking, illegal migration, and oil as reasons for the US campaign, but his chief of staff said the goal 'basically boils down to Maduro must go,' indicating regime change as a key motive.

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