Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during the International Conference of Solidarity with Palestine in Caracas, December 2024.
Maduro's abduction sparks controversy over Palestine support
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- US forces reportedly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and transported him to New York, where he faces criminal charges.
- Some users and media claim his abduction is linked to solidarity with the Palestinian cause, citing Maduro’s history of supporting Palestine.
- Maduro has repeatedly expressed strong support for Palestinian rights in interviews, speeches, and international events.
US military forces reportedly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York, where he is expected to face federal charges including narcotics trafficking and terrorism‑related offenses.
Details of the operation remain limited, but US officials confirmed that Maduro and his wife were taken during a military strike in Caracas. Venezuelan authorities condemned the action as a severe violation of sovereignty and international law.
Read more: Trump says US oil firms to head into Venezuela
Social Claims Tie Abduction to Palestine Support
After news of the abduction, many social media users and some outlets claimed it was linked to Maduro’s public solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Posts highlighted his vocal criticism of 'Israel’s' actions in the Gaza Strip and his participation in pro‑Palestinian events. These claims remain unconfirmed by official US sources.
Independent accounts emphasize that legal charges in New York focus on alleged criminal activities rather than geopolitical solidarity claims.
This president (Maduro), because he stood with Palestine and the oppressed Palestinian people, and supported the resistance against Israel and the genocidal massacres in Gaza, was punished, arrested, and penalized—by the sponsors of ISIS and the genocidal massacres in Gaza— pic.twitter.com/0LTF9LPCJO
— Lbn@2025 (@DayasIbn14979) January 4, 2026
It’s all because president Maduro stood with Palestine and condemned the genocide war on Gaza pic.twitter.com/NZa9QI7nXh
— Fayed Abushammalah. فايد أبو شمالة (@fayedfa) January 3, 2026maduro didn’t stand with Israel.
— Gat (@allblackgat) January 3, 2026
so the U.S replaced him.
some shit never changes.
pic.twitter.com/Ubr6hDdMGiOne of the reasons why they want Maduro gone. He stands with Palestine. pic.twitter.com/lyn0eDQraa
— Hassan Mafi (@thatdayin1992) August 25, 2025
Maduro’s Solidarity With Palestinian People
Maduro has consistently expressed support for Palestinians, condemning 'Israel’s' actions in Gaza in speeches and interviews. In December 2024, during the International Conference of Solidarity with Palestine in Caracas, the Global Campaign to Return to Palestine awarded Maduro a plaque recognizing his ongoing support for Palestinian rights and solidarity with the steadfast Palestinian people.
Observers note that while Maduro’s support for Palestine is well documented, linking it as the reason for his abduction is speculative and not confirmed by official US charges.
Read more: Venezuela VP says Maduro’s abduction has “Zionist tint”
Maduro is scheduled to appear in federal court in Manhattan for formal arraignment. Venezuelan officials continue to call for his immediate release and have condemned the abduction as unlawful.
International reactions range from condemnation by regional governments to calls for adherence to international law at the United Nations. The impact on Venezuela’s domestic politics and foreign relations is expected to unfold in the coming days.
