US Strikes Venezuela; Trump Declares President Maduro Captured
A new global development unfolded today. The United States launched major military strikes. These actions targeted Venezuela. Former US President Donald Trump made a stunning announcement. He claimed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured. Trump stated Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country. This dramatic news sent shockwaves around the world.
The Operation Unfolds
Explosions rocked Venezuela early Saturday. This happened on January 3, 2026. Reports confirmed multiple strikes. Caracas, the capital, experienced loud blasts. Aircraft were seen flying low. Smoke rose from military installations. Key sites like Fuerte Tiuna were hit. The La Carlota military airfield also sustained damage. The Higuerote airport faced attacks too. The strikes targeted both civilian and military areas. Venezuela’s government quickly responded. They condemned the US actions. They called it “military aggression.” The government accused the US of greed. Their aim was to seize resources. This included oil and minerals. They saw it as an “imperialist attack.”
Trump’s Declaration
Donald Trump announced the capture on Truth Social. He posted early Saturday morning. The US had “successfully carried out a large scale strike,” he stated. “President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote. He added the operation involved US law enforcement. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement,” he confirmed. More details would follow. Trump scheduled a press conference. It was to be held at Mar-a-Lago. This was at his Florida residence. He hailed the operation as “brilliant”. Elite US Army Delta Force reportedly conducted the capture. This same unit captured ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019. The US indictment against Maduro for narcoterrorism in 2020 set a precedent. The State Department offered a $50 million reward for his arrest or conviction.
Venezuela’s Response and Uncertainty
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez spoke out. She appeared on state television. Rodriguez confirmed Maduro’s whereabouts were unknown. She demanded “proof of life” for the President and his wife. This demand highlighted deep uncertainty. Venezuela’s government declared a national emergency. They called for citizen mobilization. They urged solidarity against “imperialist aggression”. The defense minister vowed resistance. He stated military forces were deployed. All armed forces would act on Maduro’s orders. However, he did not mention Maduro’s capture. The country’s future leadership remained unclear.
International Reactions Pour In
World leaders reacted swiftly to the news. Russia condemned the US “act of armed aggression”. Iran also denounced the US strikes. They called it a “flagrant violation of national sovereignty”. The European Union urged restraint. Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas monitored the situation. She stated Maduro “lacks legitimacy”. However, the EU stressed respecting international law. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro expressed concern. He alerted the world to the attack. Cuba denounced the “US military attack”. They demanded urgent international action. The news dominated world news cycles today.
Context of Escalating Tensions
These events followed months of US pressure. The Trump administration intensified efforts against Maduro. This included economic sanctions. A large US naval armada patrolled the Caribbean. The stated mission was combating drug trafficking. However, many saw regime change as the goal. The US had previously seized oil tankers. They also conducted deadly strikes on boats. These were accused of drug trafficking. Trump had repeatedly threatened “land operations” against Venezuela. He had called it “smart” for Maduro to step down. Venezuela denied accusations of drug trafficking. Maduro had offered cooperation on drug issues. He also suggested talks on oil access. US companies like Chevron operated under waivers. The US government did not recognize Maduro’s legitimacy.
Potential Implications
The capture claim has vast implications. It could reshape Venezuelan politics. The US aims to bring Maduro to trial. This follows indictments for alleged “narco-terrorism”. The global oil market faces uncertainty. Venezuela is an OPEC+ member. Any disruption affects supply. Regional stability is a major concern. Neighboring countries might see refugee flows. International law is tested by these actions. The world watches for further developments. This news reshapes the current geopolitical landscape. It marks a significant shift in global affairs today.
Conclusion: A New Era Dawns?
US strikes and the claimed capture of Nicolas Maduro are unprecedented. The operation marks a dramatic escalation. Donald Trump’s announcement has global ramifications. Venezuela’s government demands proof of life. International reactions highlight deep divisions. The long-standing conflict between the US and Venezuela has reached a critical point. The world awaits official confirmations. The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. This event will likely dominate world news for weeks. The implications for regional and global stability are profound. A new chapter has undeniably begun.