Trump Confirms US Forces Captured President Maduro in Overnight Strike
*In a dramatic escalation of tensions, President Donald Trump announced that US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The operation, described as a “large-scale strike,” was coordinated with U.S. law enforcement and took place in the early hours of Jan. 3, 2026.
Explosions, Aircraft, and Power Outages: Caracas Residents Caught Off Guard
Reports of at least seven explosions began around 2:00 a.m. local time. Witnesses in Caracas described plumes of smoke and low-flying aircraft, especially near La Carlota airport and southern military zones.
Several districts experienced blackouts following the blasts, and videos quickly circulated showing panicked residents and visible damage.
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Trump’s Statement: ‘Successful Strike, Maduro Captured’
On Truth Social, Trump declared: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
He added that a press conference would follow at 11 a.m. ET from Mar-a-Lago to reveal further details.
Where Is Maduro Now? Details of Capture Still Emerging
Initial reports suggest Maduro and Flores were detained during the airstrikes and flown out of Venezuela aboard a U.S. military aircraft.
The Venezuelan government has not confirmed his capture, and casualties from the strike remain unverified.
Venezuelan Officials Demand Proof of Life
Government officials in Caracas condemned the U.S. action as an “act of military aggression” and called for immediate confirmation of Maduro’s and Flores’ safety.
As of this report, no official images or video of their detention have been released.
Russia Responds: ‘Armed Aggression’ by the United States
Russian foreign officials swiftly condemned the U.S. action, calling it “armed aggression” and warning of “serious geopolitical consequences.”
Russia has long supported Maduro’s government and may respond with diplomatic or military posturing of its own.
Operation Follows Rising Tensions and Prior CIA Actions
This strike follows weeks of mounting pressure. In December 2025, a CIA drone strike reportedly hit a Venezuelan port used for alleged drug trafficking, further straining relations.
Trump had repeatedly hinted at direct action, accusing Maduro of operating a “narco-terrorist regime” and authorizing covert CIA operations as far back as October 2025.
Global Reaction and Markets Await Clarity at 11 A.M. Briefing
With no independent verification yet and global leaders scrambling to respond, all eyes are on Trump’s scheduled press conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Markets are already showing signs of instability, and diplomatic fallout is expected in the coming hours.
What Happens Next? A Power Vacuum in Caracas
If confirmed, Maduro’s removal could spark significant unrest in Venezuela. Questions remain about who will assume leadership and how loyalist forces will respond.
This event may redefine U.S.-Latin America relations and raise legal and ethical questions about international sovereignty and military intervention.
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