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How Maduro's Arrest Came About: US Ultimatum and Narcotics

Published January 3, 2026, 14:10
How Maduro's Arrest Came About: US Ultimatum and Narcotics

The arrest of Nicolas Maduro and his wife marks the culmination of a series of maneuvers and operations by the Trump administration, aimed at regime change in Venezuela. Trump had issued an ultimatum to Maduro on December 2, 2025, demanding his resignation. The US administration avoided a direct military intervention due to geographical proximity and the fear of ballistic threats. Instead, it proceeded with an operation aimed at curbing China's penetration into the region. Reports indicate that the CIA had attempted a drone strike on Venezuelan port infrastructure before Maduro's arrest. The entire operation was characterized by secrecy and surgical precision.