![\"CARACAS,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_GettyImages-2247859148.jpg\")
Nicol\u00e1s Maduro is now in US custody(Image: Jesus Vargas)<\/p>\nThe US President led an a shocking military operation on the Latin American country on Saturday<\/p>\n
12:17, 04 Jan 2026Updated 12:18, 04 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
Nicol\u00e1s Maduro is now in US custody(Image: Jesus Vargas)<\/p>\n
Londoners have gathered to protest Trump’s capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicol\u00e1s Maduro. The US President<\/a> greenlit a military operation on the Latin American country on Saturday (January 3).<\/p>\n Both Maduro and his wife, Cila Flores, were arrested on drug-trafficking charges before being taken from the Venezuelan capital from Caracas to a detention centre in Brooklyn. The US President has said he now plans to “run Venezuela” until “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. Mr Trump has also said he plans to fix Venezuela’s “broken infrastructure” and “start making money for the country”.<\/p>\n The US President’s highly unusual military operation has left people across the country divided. Some have lauded his actions for using swift action to bring capture someone who many saw as a “despised dictator.” Others have condemned his actions as “illegal” and worrying for the future.<\/p>\n In London, protesters gathered out the US Embassy yesterday afternoon to stage a protest against the US President’s actions. The crowds can be heard shouting “shame” as they march towards the US Embassy with Venezuelan flags. Police officers could be seen lined-up in front of protesters as they shouted “viva Venezuela.”<\/p>\n Who is Nicol\u00e1s Maduro?<\/p>\n Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro was first elected after winning a slim majority in 2013 in a special election to replace Hugo Chavez. In 2014, the country was plunged into food shortages and a poor standard living.<\/p>\n There were wide-spread protests as Maduro’s popularity waned. But the Venezuelan President continued to rule through powers granted by ruling party legislature.<\/p>\n He was sworn into power again in both 2019 and 2024, despite widespread opposition. His government has been rejected by the US, Canada and many Latin American governments.<\/p>\n Trump has accused Maduro of contributing to drug trafficking and illegal immigration to the US. In July, the US announced a $50m bounty on the Venezuelan president’s head after accusing him of being one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.<\/p>\n In late November, Trump gave Maduro an ultimatum to step-down as president while offering him a safe route out of the country. He refused the offer and accused the US of wanting control of his country\u2019s oil reserves.<\/p>\n Maduro has repeatedly said he doesn’t want war with the US. Two days before his capture, Maduro said in a TV interview that he would welcome US investment in the country\u2019s oil sector.<\/p>\n Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"UNSPECIFIED](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_GettyImages-2253885085.jpg\")
Both Maduro and his wife, Cila Flores, were arrested on drug-trafficking charges (Image: 2026 Truth Social)<\/p>\n![\"LIMA,](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_GettyImages-2253897178.jpg\")
Venezuelan citizens could be seen celebrating in Lima, Peru yesterday after Maduro’s capture(Image: Mariana Bazo)<\/p>\n