Maduro yelps in pain, says ‘Good night, Happy New Year’ as US flies him to New York | Watch

Maduro flown to New York after US capture, video shows Venezuelan leader yelping in pain

Captured in a high-risk US operation in Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was flown to New York and placed inside a federal detention facility to face drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.

Footage from the transfer shows Maduro in handcuffs and sandals as he was escorted by US officials. Looking briefly toward the cameras, he spoke in English, saying, “Good night. Happy New Year.” The remark came just moments before he was taken further into US custody.

Another video circulating online has intensified scrutiny of the arrest. The clip appears to show Maduro yelping in pain and struggling to walk as officials helped him out of a vehicle, prompting speculation about whether he was injured during the capture. Some footage shows him grimacing as security personnel assist him, while his wife, Cilia Flores, is seen walking nearby under heavy guard.

MADURO YELPS IN PAIN as Pentagon WOUND him in capture apparently pic.twitter.com/r0Sx61CTDI

— RT (@RT_com) January 4, 2026

The incident has triggered strong reactions internationally, with countries including Russia and Iran condemning what they described as a US attack on Venezuelan sovereignty.

Beyond the dramatic visuals, Maduro’s arrest has plunged Venezuela into deeper political turmoil. President Donald Trump has said the United States is prepared to remain actively involved in the country and has not ruled out deploying ground forces. He has dismissed opposition claims to power, publicly praised Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, and openly signalled Washington’s strategic interest in Venezuela’s vast oil resources.

As Caracas struggles with the fallout, including overnight air strikes, widespread power outages, and heightened security presence on the streets, Venezuela’s Supreme Court moved quickly to appoint Rodríguez as acting president. The decision came even as US prosecutors pushed ahead with criminal proceedings against Maduro in New York.

The unfolding crisis has left the country in a state of uncertainty: a president in US custody, an interim leader installed at home, and growing international concern over Washington’s expanding role in Venezuela.