US Strikes Venezuela, Claims Maduro Captured
On January 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a large-scale military strike against Venezuela and claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. The announcement was made in a social media post early Saturday, describing the operation as successful and involving U.S. forces and law enforcement.
Explosions Reported in Venezuela
Residents in Caracas reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing low-flying aircraft in the early morning hours. Venezuelan officials declared a national emergency in response to what they described as attacks across the capital and nearby states. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned U.S. commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.
Conflicting Reports and Lack of Independent Confirmation
While the U.S. statement claims the capture of Maduro and his wife, there has been no immediate independent confirmation of their capture or removal from Venezuela from Venezuelan authorities or independent observers. The Venezuelan government has condemned the strikes as military aggression and has mobilised defence forces.
Rising Tensions and International Reaction
This escalation follows months of rising tension between the United States and Venezuela, including previous U.S. military actions against suspected drug trafficking operations and Venezuela’s denunciations of U.S. pressure. The situation remains fluid, with global concern over potential wider conflict and the humanitarian impact of the strikes.
