Advertisement

Image: Stringer/AFP

Nicolas Maduro

Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is on trial in the US on drug-trafficking charges. He was elected in 2013 but subsequent votes were widely disputed. In January 2026, he was captured in an unprecedented US raid.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

Protesters in Venezuela demand higher wages and presidential elections

Protesters in Venezuela demand higher wages and presidential elections

Venezuelans want elections — but when will they get them?

Will Venezuelans be allowed to decide who runs their country? Or is the country not ready yet?

Venezuelan President Maduro, right, receives Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023

Venezuelan President Maduro, right, receives Alex Saab at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023

Venezuela deports Maduro ally Alex Saab to US

He fell out of favor with the new administration that took power since Maduro’s ouster and capture by US special forces.

Captain Ric Wilson waves a Venezuelan flag and the first officer waves a U.S. flag as they prepare to fly American Airlines Flight AA3599

Captain Ric Wilson waves a Venezuelan flag and the first officer waves a U.S. flag as they prepare to fly American Airlines Flight AA3599

First direct US-Venezuela flight in 7 years lands in Caracas

The direct flight comes a month after the US formally reopened its embassy in Caracas

Students march on National Youth Day to demand the release of detainees, considered political prisoners by their families and human rights groups, in Caracas

Students march on National Youth Day to demand the release of detainees, considered political prisoners by their families and human rights groups, in Caracas

Germany's entrepreneurs betting on post-Maduro Venezuela

Venezuela's economy is opening up, and that could pay off for the few German companies who've played the long game.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez meet in Caracas

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez meet in Caracas

Colombia, Venezuela hold key talks in post-Maduro visit

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is the first leader to travel to Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's removal.

Surrounded by heavy security, ousted President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrive at the Wall Street Heliport in the New York City borough of Manhattan, NY, to be transported to appear in a New York

Surrounded by heavy security, ousted President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrive at the Wall Street Heliport in the New York City borough of Manhattan, NY, to be transported to appear in a New York

US soldier allegedly made $400k betting on Maduro raid

Prosecutors say the soldier used classified information of the Maduro operation to place winning bets on Polymarket.

A tanker truck belonging to Venezuela's state energy company PDVSA

A tanker truck belonging to Venezuela's state energy company PDVSA

Will Venezuela's oil sector reform attract investors?

Venezuela's leaders are opening the country's oil industry up for private capital, but they lack democratic support.

Nine small, grainy, monochrome images show nine boats, filmed from the sky

Nine small, grainy, monochrome images show nine boats, filmed from the sky

US strikes on alleged 'drug boats' spark legal controversy

Critics say attacks on suspected "drug boats" are ineffective and mainly aimed at Trump’s domestic base.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in army fatigues, holds up a small Cuban flag as he speaks during a Havana rally on April, 16, 2026

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, in army fatigues, holds up a small Cuban flag as he speaks during a Havana rally on April, 16, 2026

Cuban president vows defense of island if US invades

Cuba's leader has vowed the island nation will defend itself if the Trump administration launches a US military assault.

Several fighter jets lined up on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln, set against an orange sky

Several fighter jets lined up on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln, set against an orange sky

Iran war shows swings in US military competency

While the US military pulls off elite missions, Donald Trump's shifting goals are creating a confusing Iran strategy.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez smiles and speaks into a microphone

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez smiles and speaks into a microphone

Venezuela's Rodriguez pushes reforms in first 100 days

After the US ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, all eyes are on Acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

A composed image shows US President Donald Trump standing near a map highlighting the US (in red) and Cuba (in yellow), pointing with his right index finger. The words "Will Cuba Fall? Mapped Out" are superimposed bottom R

A composed image shows US President Donald Trump standing near a map highlighting the US (in red) and Cuba (in yellow), pointing with his right index finger. The words "Will Cuba Fall? Mapped Out" are superimposed bottom R

Why the US won't leave Cuba alone

US-Cuba tensions are at boiling point. What's driving Donald Trump’s latest threats on the US' long-term enemy?

An American flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 14, 2026

An American flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, March 14, 2026

US reopens embassy in Venezuela after seizing Nicolas Maduro

The US seized President Nicolas Maduro in a military raid in January and has since reestablished diplomatic ties.

A court drawing of Maduro in a NY court on March 26, 2026

A court drawing of Maduro in a NY court on March 26, 2026

US Judge declines to dismiss Maduro case over legal fees

Maduro asked the judge to dismiss the case by arguing he did not have sufficient personal funds for his legal defense.

The US flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas

The US flag flies again at the US Embassy in Caracas

US flag raised at embassy in Venezuela after 7 years

The US embassy in Caracas has raised the Stars and Stripes for the first time after a hiatus of seven years.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, dressed in military fatigues, holds up a small Cuban flag during a protest march againt US aggression in the Western Hemisphere outside the US Embassy in Havana on January 16, 2026.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, dressed in military fatigues, holds up a small Cuban flag during a protest march againt US aggression in the Western Hemisphere outside the US Embassy in Havana on January 16, 2026.

Cuban president confirms talks with US

US President Trump has said a deal would be "very easily made" after threatening a "takeover."

Relatives of political prisoners lie on the ground in front of police officers during a protest outside the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) Zona 7 prison in Caracas on February 14

Relatives of political prisoners lie on the ground in front of police officers during a protest outside the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) Zona 7 prison in Caracas on February 14

Venezuela passes amnesty law for political prisoners

The amnesty law excludes those prosecuted or convicted of promoting military actions against the country.

A bearded middle-aged man wearing a black cap speaks into a DW microphone in what looks like a square

A bearded middle-aged man wearing a black cap speaks into a DW microphone in what looks like a square

Hopes and fears in Venezuela one month after Maduro capture

Many people are concerned about whether the country's economic crisis will be addressed.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez attends the opening of the new court term with Supreme Court magistrates, in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 30, 2026

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez attends the opening of the new court term with Supreme Court magistrates, in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 30, 2026

Venezuela: Interim president hails amnesty bill's first vote

The amnesty bill could lead to the mass release of political prisoners and mark a post-Maduro milestone.

A burning car at night after an explosion.

A burning car at night after an explosion.

Fact check: How videos are recycled for political purposes

DW Fact check shows how to spot recycled clips and recognize disinformation, and why it matters.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US diplomat Laura Dogu in Caracas on February 2, 2026

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US diplomat Laura Dogu in Caracas on February 2, 2026

Venezuela: Interim President Delcy Rodriguez meets US envoy

Venezuela and the US open talks on energy, trade and political transition after years of frozen relations.

View of the refinery El Palito in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, Venezuela, under a cloudy sky

View of the refinery El Palito in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, Venezuela, under a cloudy sky

Venezuela opens its oil sector to private investors

Washington has put pressure on Caracas for access to its crude reserves since it seized President Maduro.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to examine US policy towards Venezuela on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, January 28, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to examine US policy towards Venezuela on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, January 28, 2026

Marco Rubio defends Trump Venezuela policy in heated hearing

The US seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an operation and brought him to New York to face charges.

Ricardo Gámez, left, leaves prison after being released in Tocuyito, Venezuela

Ricardo Gámez, left, leaves prison after being released in Tocuyito, Venezuela

Venezuela releases over 100 political prisoners — NGO

Venezuela has been freeing hundreds of prisoners since US forces kidnapped former leader Nicolas Maduro.

Derricks pump crude oil at the aging Shengli oil field in the eastern Shandong province, China, on November 13, 2010

Derricks pump crude oil at the aging Shengli oil field in the eastern Shandong province, China, on November 13, 2010

Can China rely on domestic oil after Iran, Venezuela shocks?

Trump's move against major exporters sharpened focus on China’s oil cushion and Beijing's limited scope to raise output.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez (C) speaks next to President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez (L) and Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello after a press conference at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on January 14, 2026

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez (C) speaks next to President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez (L) and Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello after a press conference at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas on January 14, 2026

Trump hails call with Venezuela's 'terrific' interim leader

The US president said he had a "great" conversation with Rodriguez, who said her first call with Trump was "productive."

Relatives of political prisoners lit candles during a vigil outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, Venezuela on January 10, 2026

Relatives of political prisoners lit candles during a vigil outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, Venezuela on January 10, 2026

US lauds freeing of American prisoners in Venezuela

The US State Department lauded Venezuela's interim government for releasing American prisoners.

DW AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink

South Africa condemns US capture of Maduro

Eddy Micah Jr. speaks to political analyst Dr Garth le Pere and DW's Thuso Khumalo.

A file photo of the USS Iwo Jima docked at Rafael Cordero Santiago Port of the America on December 16, 2025, in Ponce, Puerto Rico

A file photo of the USS Iwo Jima docked at Rafael Cordero Santiago Port of the America on December 16, 2025, in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Cuba defiant in face of 'criminal' US threats

Cuba says Washington's behavior is a threat to global peace as President Trump jokes about a coercive takeover.

A close up photo of Nicolas Maduro wearing a suit

A close up photo of Nicolas Maduro wearing a suit

US attempts to paint Nicolas Maduro as a drug baron

He persecuted opponents, rigged elections and ran Venezuela into the ground. But was Maduro also a cocaine dealer?

President Donald Trump talks and points towards Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the doorway to the White House

President Donald Trump talks and points towards Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the doorway to the White House

Donald Trump's Venezuela attack stuns Europe's far right

The arrest of Maduro awakened European far-right leaders to the fact that an unpredictable US is a threat to them, too.

Sunrise over Caracas

Sunrise over Caracas

A German entrepreneur sees opportunity in Venezuela's crisis

Thilo Schmitz has spent three decades in Caracas, living through Venezuela's volatile recent history.

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez delivers a speech

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez delivers a speech

Venezuela launches talks with Trump administration

Caracas says it has initiated "exploratory" talks with the Trump administration to reinstate relations.

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

On a blue background, a miniature drawing of the Brandenburg Gate is seen between the words "Berlin Briefing" in caps and a design depicting radio airwaves

When diplomacy meets reality: Germany's balancing act with Trump’s America

Headlines coming out of the US shook the world in the first week of 2026: the military operation in Venezuela and Trump's talk of seizing Greenland. DW Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase and her guests, Michaela Küfner (DW) and Thorsten Benner (Global Public Policy Institute) discuss whether Germany's relative silence is strategic restraint or helplessness in the face of US assertiveness.

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

Teaser Berlin Briefing NEU

When diplomacy meets reality: Germany's balancing act with Trump’s America

Headlines coming out of the US shook the world in the first week of 2026: the military operation in Venezuela and Trump's talk of seizing Greenland. DW Berlin Briefing host Nina Haase and her guests, Michaela Küfner (DW) and Thorsten Benner (Global Public Policy Institute) discuss whether Germany's relative silence is strategic restraint or helplessness in the face of US assertiveness.

Protesters at the Branderburg Gate in Berlin hold up a large banner saying PEACE, in the colors of the Venezuelan flag

Protesters at the Branderburg Gate in Berlin hold up a large banner saying PEACE, in the colors of the Venezuelan flag

Majority of Germans condemn US intervention in Venezuela

While rejection of the operation is strong, there is disagreement over how Germany should respond.

Venezuelan human rights lawyer Karelys Fernandez (R) hugs a relative of prisoners in front of El Rodeo jail in Caracas on January 8, 2026

Venezuelan human rights lawyer Karelys Fernandez (R) hugs a relative of prisoners in front of El Rodeo jail in Caracas on January 8, 2026

Venezuela begins releasing opposition figures

The interim government has released several high-profile detainees, which US officials say came at Washington's request.

A placard at a protest in Bogota reads "Gringos go home"

A placard at a protest in Bogota reads "Gringos go home"

Colombians march against US aggression in South America

After the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Colombians told DW they fear their country may be next.

Xi Jinping and Nicolas Maduro walk together with flags behind them during a diplomatic event in Beijing (September 1, 2015)

Xi Jinping and Nicolas Maduro walk together with flags behind them during a diplomatic event in Beijing (September 1, 2015)

Maduro's downfall deals China new cards in US rivalry

China is "deeply shocked" by the Trump administration's attack on Venezuela, a notable Beijing ally in Latin America.

Military personnel remove their caps in honor of fellow soldiers killed in the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife during the soldiers' funeral in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

Military personnel remove their caps in honor of fellow soldiers killed in the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife during the soldiers' funeral in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.

What US attack says about Venezuela's military strength

US forces encountered little resistance from Venezuela's military when they captured Nicolas Maduro in a surprise raid.

One of the helicopters believed to be carrying Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrives after the two were captured overnight in Venezuela by US forces, at the Westside Heliport in New York City

One of the helicopters believed to be carrying Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrives after the two were captured overnight in Venezuela by US forces, at the Westside Heliport in New York City

Maduro's capture sparks African debate

African leaders weigh sovereignty, international law and strategic interests after the US capture of Venezuela's leader.

Vladimir Putin shaking hands with Nicolas Maduro in Moscow in front of flags

Vladimir Putin shaking hands with Nicolas Maduro in Moscow in front of flags

Why Russia has kept quiet over Maduro's ouster in Venezuela

Russia watched in silence as the US arrested Nicolas Maduro. What does the surprise attack mean for the war in Ukraine?

A local walks past a mural featuring oil pumps and wells in Caracas, Venezuela

A local walks past a mural featuring oil pumps and wells in Caracas, Venezuela

Venezuela: Trump's $3 billion oil windfall — why it matters

DW explores how Donald Trump's deal with Venezuela's interim government could be a blow to China, Russia, Iran and Cuba.

Iranian men read newspapers on a street

Iranian men read newspapers on a street

Maduro's capture in Venezuela sends warning signal to Iran

The Venezuelan leader's capture is being closely watched in Iran, where nationwide protests are pressuring the regime.

The United States Capitol building is seen in fading light, a red stop light seen in the foreground

The United States Capitol building is seen in fading light, a red stop light seen in the foreground

US Republicans divided over Maduro capture

Some Trump loyalists are asking how the seizure of Venezuela's leader aligns with his vow to avoid foreign intervention.

People protested against the US attack on Venezuela in many cities, for example here in New York on January 4, 2026

People protested against the US attack on Venezuela in many cities, for example here in New York on January 4, 2026

Fact check: These fakes are circulating about Venezuela

Many videos circulating about Venezuela are false, fake or misleading. DW Fact check explains how you can spot them.

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One

US President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One

US actions in Venezuela reflect Trump's 'strength' rhetoric

Political analyst Mike Cowburn told DW how Trump's rhetoric fits into US thinking on the Western Hemisphere.

Delcy Rodriguez speaking into a microphone during a press conference in March 2025

Delcy Rodriguez speaking into a microphone during a press conference in March 2025

Venezuela's interim president: Who is Delcy Rodriguez?

Those hoping for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado were disappointed: Trump is counting on the former vice president.

Two demonstrators hold signs in support of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse as Maduro awaits his arraignment hearing on January 5, 2026 in New York.

Two demonstrators hold signs in support of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse as Maduro awaits his arraignment hearing on January 5, 2026 in New York.

Maduro capture 'not a law enforcement operation' by US

The arrest of Venezuela's president is "a violation of international law," analyst Christopher Sabatini told DW.

Opponents of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demonstrate in Doral, Florida, showing an image of Maduro behind bars in a prison

Opponents of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demonstrate in Doral, Florida, showing an image of Maduro behind bars in a prison

How Germany responded to US capture of Nicolas Maduro

Germany appeared to walk a diplomatic tightrope over US actions in Venezuela. DW has more on Germany's position.