Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces? US Venezuela news explained

Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces has become a central question in Venezuela news and world news today. The reported arrest of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro by US personnel has triggered confusion, political uncertainty, and global reaction. Statements from US officials, Venezuelan leaders, and foreign governments have raised questions about power, security, and legality. As Caracas reacts and allies respond, attention has shifted to who now controls Venezuela and what happens next.

Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces?

Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces is a question being asked across world news platforms. The arrest of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro by US personnel has changed the political situation in Caracas and raised questions about Venezuela leadership, governance, and military control.

The US says Maduro was arrested to stand trial in the United States on criminal charges. Republican US Senator Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the arrest. Lee said US forces acted to protect personnel executing the arrest warrant. He added that no further action in Venezuela is expected now that Maduro is in US custody.

US arrest of Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro

US Senator Mike Lee wrote on X that Rubio told him Nicolas Maduro was arrested by US forces. He said the action was taken under the president’s authority to protect US personnel. Lee earlier questioned whether the US attack was legal without congressional approval.

US President Donald Trump later posted on social media that Maduro had been captured with help from US law enforcement. Trump said more details would be shared later. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the operation marked a new phase for Venezuela.

The Trump administration has long said Maduro leads a criminal network. In 2020, the US charged Maduro with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking in New York. The US offered rewards for his arrest, which reached $50 million in August 2025.

Who controls Venezuela after Maduro capture?

Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces now depends on the military and senior officials. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López remains a key figure. The Venezuelan military controls major bases like Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government does not know Maduro’s location. She demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. She said US attacks caused deaths of officials, military staff, and civilians.

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Vice President for Security, said the US attack only partly achieved its goal. He said the country remains calm and security forces are active.

Why is the US attacking Venezuela?

Why is the US attacking Venezuela is linked to long-running accusations. The US claims Maduro led Cartel de los Soles, which it calls a criminal group. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a grand jury indictment supports these claims.

Trump has increased pressure on Venezuela since returning to office. Sanctions, military warnings, and legal action have continued. US officials say the arrest ends the need for further US strikes in Venezuela.

International reaction to US Venezuela attack

Venezuela requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting. Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto called the US action an attack on sovereignty. Russia condemned what it called armed aggression by the United States. Russia said Latin America should remain a zone of peace.

Iran also condemned the US military strike. Iran said the attack violated the UN charter and Venezuela’s territorial integrity. Both countries are Venezuela allies.

The Russian Embassy in Caracas said operations continue normally. No Russian citizens were reported harmed.

Background on Nicolas Maduro and Venezuela crisis

Nicolas Maduro succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013. His election victory was disputed. Venezuela faced protests, sanctions, and economic decline during his rule. In 2017, Maduro expanded presidential powers. In 2018, his re-election was rejected by many countries.

Maduro often accused the US of interference. He once called Trump a racist cowboy. His wife, Cilia Flores, served as a lawmaker and lawyer.

What happens next in Venezuela?

Who is in charge of Venezuela as Nicholas Maduro is captured by US forces remains uncertain. The military, cabinet members, and vice president now manage state functions. Questions remain about war with Venezuela, US invasion claims, and future elections.

Global news outlets continue to track developments in Caracas, Washington, and the United Nations.

FAQs

Who is currently running Venezuela after Maduro was captured?
Venezuela is being managed by senior officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, while the military maintains control over security and government institutions.

Why did the US capture Nicolas Maduro?
The US says Maduro faces criminal charges including narco-terrorism. Officials claim the arrest followed a US court indictment and was carried out to protect US personnel executing a legal warrant.