US strikes Caracas, captures Venezuela’s President Maduro, wife
US strikes Caracas, captures Venezuela’s President Maduro, wife
In a dramatic turn of events with global implications, United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, that American forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale military operation in Venezuela.
Trump made the announcement via Truth Social, about two hours after a wave of powerful explosions rocked Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, at around 2:00 a.m. local time.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote.
The military assault reportedly involved the elite U.S. Army Delta Force, targeting key installations including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, and the La Carlota airbase.
Speaking briefly with The New York Times, Trump praised the operation, describing it as meticulously executed.
“It was a brilliant operation, actually. A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people,” he said.
Residents of Caracas recounted scenes of panic as low-flying aircraft thundered overhead and at least seven major explosions illuminated the night sky. Several districts reportedly experienced power outages, while thick smoke rose from military facilities.
Although the Venezuelan government acknowledged what it described as a case of “military aggression,” it initially stopped short of confirming Maduro’s capture. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez later demanded “proof of life” for the President and his wife, saying their whereabouts remained unknown.
In a strongly worded statement, the Venezuelan Ministry of Defence condemned the attack, calling it a grave breach of international law.
“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” the ministry stated.
The operation, reportedly codenamed “Operation Southern Spear,” comes after months of heightened tension between Washington and Caracas.
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of narco-terrorism, allegations the Venezuelan leader has consistently denied, insisting that the U.S. aims to take control of Venezuela’s vast oil resources.
Reacting to the unfolding crisis, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency United Nations meeting and ordered the deployment of troops to Colombia’s border with Venezuela.
President Trump is expected to provide further details during a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. today at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
