From Noriega to Maduro: World leaders captured after US military action

A photograph which U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social account shows what he describes as Venezuelan President "Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima" amphibious assault ship, currently in the Caribbean Sea

• US launched major strike on Venezuela, claims capture of President Maduro
• Explosions reported in Caracas; Maduro's whereabouts remain unclear
• Venezuela calls US action an "imperialist attack" and urges citizens to protest

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The United States launched what it called a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, with President Donald Trump announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country after months of rising pressure from Washington.

Residents in Caracas reported multiple explosions, while low-flying aircraft were seen over the capital. Venezuela’s government accused the US of hitting civilian and military targets, branding the action an “imperialist attack” and calling on citizens to take to the streets.

Trump disclosed the operation in a post on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 am ET, saying Maduro “has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.” He added: “This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.”

Below are key cases involving leaders pursued, captured or detained in operations linked to the United States:

MANUEL NORIEGA (PANAMA)

Panama’s military ruler Manuel Noriega was captured by U.S. forces in December 1989 following the invasion of Panama under Operation Just Cause. Washington accused Noriega of drug trafficking and money laundering. He was flown to the United States, tried in federal court and sentenced to prison, becoming the only modern head of state prosecuted on U.S. soil.

SADDAM HUSSEIN (IRAQ)

Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. troops in December 2003 after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. He was later handed over to Iraqi authorities, tried by an Iraqi tribunal and executed in 2006. He was not prosecuted in the United States.

SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC (YUGOSLAVIA)

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was arrested by Serbian authorities in 2001 after intense international pressure, including from Washington. He was transferred to the U.N. war crimes tribunal in The Hague. U.S. forces did not directly carry out his arrest.

LEADERS TARGETED BUT NOT CAPTURED

Other figures were pursued or killed in U.S. operations but not detained:

Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in Pakistan in 2011

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, killed during the 2011 uprising

Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020