Maduro’s first words after US capture: 'Good night, Happy New Year' in New York

The first official pictures just released of former President Maduro after landing at Stewart International Airport earlier today, less than 24 hours after the US conducted Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela.

• US forces captured Venezuelan President Maduro in a surprise overnight operation
• Maduro and his wife were taken to New York, facing narco-terrorism charges
• US to assume interim control of Venezuela after the dramatic intervention

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived in New York on Sunday after being captured by US forces in a surprise overnight operation at his military base in Caracas, marking one of the most dramatic interventions in the region’s recent history.

Maduro, who was handcuffed as he was taken to a Drug Enforcement Administration facility, appeared calm during his transfer. A video circulating online shows the Venezuelan leader smiling as he greeted those escorting him, saying, “Good night, Happy New Year.”

'GOOD NIGHT HAPPY NEW YEAR' MADURO 1ST WORDS AT NYC DEA pic.twitter.com/mvCIjOWiXi

— RT (@RT_com) January 4, 2026

The capture has triggered a seismic shift in Western Hemisphere geopolitics, with US President Donald Trump announcing that Washington would effectively “run” Venezuela following the operation.

Trump said the United States would assume interim responsibility for governing the country, adding that the transition was already underway.

US forces launched the rapid strike in the early hours of Saturday, detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, before removing them from Venezuela. American officials said both are expected to face prosecution in the United States on narco-terrorism-related charges.

Residents in Caracas reported hearing multiple explosions during the brief assault. At least seven blasts were heard, reportedly striking military targets. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said civilians and members of the armed forces were killed, though she did not provide a death toll. Although reports suggest that around 40 people have been killed in the strikes.