U.S. Forces Capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

U.S. special forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, transporting him to the United States to face narcoterrorism charges. This military intervention marks a major escalation in Venezuela's ongoing crisis, which began with the 2013 Chávez-Maduro succession and subsequent economic collapse.

Despite Maduro's removal, a democratic transition remains uncertain. Former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed interim leadership without scheduling elections. The international community, including the European Union, has urged a peaceful transition, while allies Russia and China condemned the U.S. actions.

The "Next Leader Out Before 2027" prediction market has resolved with a YES outcome, confirming Maduro's removal before the specified timeline.