The Truth Behind Viral Clips of Nicolás Maduro’s Capture

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A monumental geopolitical shift was witnessed on January 3, 2026, when the United States conducted a high-stakes military operation in Caracas. It was confirmed by the White House that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were apprehended by U.S. forces and transported to New York to face federal charges. However, the vacuum of immediate, verified footage was filled by a torrent of misinformation, with several “viral clips” being shared millions of times that have since been exposed as fraudulent or out of context.

AI-Generated Images Flood Social Media

One of the most widely shared “leaked” visuals depicted Maduro being escorted off a plane by agents wearing tactical gear labeled “DEA.” This image was flagged by fact-checkers as a highly sophisticated AI-generated fabrication. It was noted by experts that the image contained telltale signs of artificial creation, such as distorted hands and inconsistent uniform details. Authentic photographs later released by official sources showed Maduro in a light blue jacket being escorted by agents in civilian suits, proving that the viral “action” shots were merely digital illusions.

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Outdated Footage Passed Off as New

In addition to synthetic media, several videos of “celebrations in the streets” were found to be recycled from previous years. A clip showing people tearing down Maduro’s posters was traced back to election-related protests in July 2024, long before the actual 2026 operation occurred. Another video claiming to show millions of Venezuelans flooding Caracas was identified as aerial footage from a 2024 political rally. While genuine celebrations were reported among the Venezuelan diaspora, the specific “viral” clips used to depict these events were largely misleading.

The “UCLA Undie Run” Misinformation

Perhaps the most bizarre piece of misinformation involved a video shared on Truth Social, which purportedly showed Venezuelans running in their underwear to celebrate Maduro’s downfall. This footage was quickly debunked by researchers, who identified it as a recording of the “UCLA undie run”—a quarterly student tradition at the University of California, Los Angeles. The repurposing of such unrelated content highlights the “fog of war” that often accompanies major military actions, where engagement-driven algorithms often prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.

The Current Reality in Venezuela

As of January 8, 2026, the true status of the situation is being managed by a transition of power in Caracas. Following Maduro’s removal, Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president, while U.S. officials have signaled a desire for a “safe and proper” democratic transition. Maduro and his wife appeared in a Manhattan federal court on January 5, where they pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism and weapons charges. The world continues to watch the evolving legal and political landscape, even as the digital “misinformation war” continues to linger online.