US Forces Arrest Maduro, Seize Venezuela's Oil; Trump Declares Control

• US military arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro, in Caracas on January 3, 2026.
• Maduro faces federal drug charges in New York, accused by the DOJ of leading a "Maduro Cartel" supplying drugs and weapons.
• President Donald Trump announced the US would "run" Venezuela, rebuild its oil system, and invest billions.
• The operation is criticized by Iran, Russia, and Latin American nations as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
• Venezuela, with the world's largest oil reserves, is now under temporary US administration, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez potentially as new president.

Why It Matters: US takes control of Venezuela and its oil after arresting Maduro on drug charges, sparking global outrage.