On Saturday, the United States initiated a significant operation in Venezuela, detaining the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his spouse, Cilia Flores, in a move described as a “large-scale strike.” President Donald Trump announced their removal from Venezuela on his Truth Social platform, indicating that the operation was carried out in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi disclosed on social media platform X that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York. Venezuelans are anxiously awaiting updates on the situation, while various world leaders are liaising with their embassies to monitor the aftermath of the operation, which represents the most substantial U.S. intervention in Latin America since 1989.
Amid ongoing revelations, here are essential details about Maduro, who has been accused by the Trump administration of involvement in drug cartels and other criminal activities.
Maduro, born into a working-class family on November 23, 1962, had a background as a bus driver in the early 1990s. He gained prominence when he campaigned for the release of army officer Hugo Chávez following an unsuccessful coup against the Venezuelan government. Maduro aligned with Chávez’s leftist policies and later secured a legislative seat after Chávez’s election victory in 1998, eventually ascending to the presidency in 2013.
During Maduro’s tenure, Venezuela witnessed a severe economic collapse marked by hyperinflation and persistent shortages. His administration faced criticism for alleged electoral fraud, food scarcities, and human rights violations, including harsh crackdowns on dissent. Many Venezuelans sought refuge abroad, including in Canada.
In January 2025, Maduro was inaugurated for a third term after a contentious 2024 election condemned as fraudulent by international observers and the opposition. Despite widespread condemnation, his victory received backing from Russia, Turkey, and China. Those protesting against the election results were reportedly detained.
The United Nations documented severe human rights abuses and crimes against humanity in Venezuela, implicating the Bolivarian National Guard as perpetrators. Global attention intensified in 2025 when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a vocal supporter of Trump’s strategies.
Maduro’s government faced stringent sanctions from the U.S. and other nations, with Washington indicting him on corruption charges in 2020. Maduro rebutted the allegations, accusing Trump of coveting Venezuelan oil. Both Maduro and his wife now confront criminal charges in the U.S.
However, the legality of the Saturday operation has been questioned by politicians in the U.S. and worldwide, with Utah Senator Mike Lee expressing concerns about the lack of a formal declaration of war or military force authorization.