US detains Maduro and takes Venezuela under control: what is known about the operation

Detaining Nicolas Maduro

According to ХВИЛЯ: The US detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3, 2026, after which they announced their intention to temporarily manage the country and regain control over the oil industry. This operation was a result of a prolonged political crisis in Venezuela and was accompanied by accusations against Maduro of drug terrorism, organizing cocaine supply, and illegal arms trafficking made by the New York prosecutor's office.

After Maduro's detention, the US plans to take over the management of Venezuela during the transition period. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plays a key role in this management. An important part of the plan is the examination of Russian and Iranian military equipment currently in use by the Venezuelan army. Specifically, it is known that Venezuela received two divisions of S-300VM anti-aircraft missile systems from Russia in 2013. In October 2025, Moscow also sent a shipment of the 'Pantsir' air defense system and the 'Buk-M2' to the country.

Venezuela's Military Arsenal

Venezuela has a significant military arsenal, including:

• 92 T-72B tanks
• 123 BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles
• 114 BTR-80A armored personnel carriers
• 48 'Msta-S' self-propelled howitzers
• 13 'Nona-SVK' howitzers
• 24 'Grad-1' multiple rocket launchers
• Ka-31 helicopters

Since the beginning of 2006, the country has also received 21 Su-30MKV fighters, further enhancing its military capability.

The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Venezuela has decided to transfer power to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. This decision is an important step in the context of changes in the country's leadership following Maduro's detention. The American administration under Donald Trump emphasized that

"America takes direct control of Venezuela during the transition period"

- this indicates the US's intentions to establish control in the region.

This situation in Venezuela is an important stage in international politics, as it demonstrates the US's desire to influence political processes in Latin America, especially considering the strategic significance of Venezuela's oil industry. The detention of Maduro and the transfer of power to the vice president may lead to changes in the country's domestic politics and have implications for regional security, as Venezuela has a significant military arsenal, including equipment obtained from other states such as Russia and Iran.