Venezuelans across the world poured into the streets over the weekend to celebrate the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, following a dramatic U.S.-led military operation in Caracas that saw him and his wife flown out of the country to face charges in the United States.
Scenes of jubilation were reported in several cities across Latin America, the United States, and Europe, as members of the Venezuelan diaspora sang, danced, and waved national flags. For many, the moment symbolised the end of years of political repression, economic hardship, and forced exile.
According to the United Nations, more than eight million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, escaping hyperinflation, food and medicine shortages, gang violence, and political instability — making it one of the largest displacement crises in the world.
In cities such as Santiago, Lima, Madrid, Doral in Florida, and Quito, Venezuelans described the development as emotional and long-awaited. Many expressed hope of finally returning home to rebuild their country.
Inside Venezuela, reports indicated explosions, low-flying aircraft, and smoke across parts of Caracas during the early hours of Saturday as the operation unfolded. U.S. President Donald Trump later described the raid as a “brilliant operation,” crediting elite troops and extensive planning.
U.S. authorities say Maduro has been under indictment since 2020 on drug trafficking and weapons-related charges, with Washington alleging he led a criminal network known as the Cartel de los Soles. U.S. officials also revealed that rewards for information leading to his arrest had reached tens of millions of dollars in recent years.
However, reactions within Venezuela were divided. While many citizens celebrated, senior government officials condemned the operation, accusing the United States of violating international law and claiming civilians were harmed during the raid. Russia, a close ally of Venezuela, also raised concerns over the legality of removing a sitting head of state.
Despite the celebrations, uncertainty remains about Venezuela’s future. Some Venezuelans abroad welcomed the development cautiously, stressing that lasting freedom would depend on a peaceful political transition and democratic leadership.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long faced accusations of authoritarianism, election manipulation, and mismanaging a country that holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves. His capture marks one of the most dramatic moments in Venezuela’s modern political history and has reshaped the mood among millions of Venezuelans worldwide.
