EditBreaking: Trump announces Maduro’s capture after U.S. strikes rock Venezuela
As of now, neither Moscow nor Beijing has issued an official reaction, though potential responses from the two powers could unfold in multifaceted ways
In a stunning escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced early on 3 January that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured and flown out of the country following a “large-scale strike” by American forces.
The operation, conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement, targeted key military sites in Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota airbase, amid reports of at least seven explosions causing widespread panic and power outages.
U.S. launches strikes on Venezuelan military targets amid escalating tensions
Trump made the revelation on Truth Social around 4:30 a.m. ET (1:30 CET), stating, “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 scheduled a news conference at Mar-a-Lago for 11 a.m. ET to provide details. U.S. officials confirmed to CBS News that Maduro was seized by the elite Delta Force unit.
Venezuela’s government, prior to the capture, declared a national emergency, denouncing the strikes as “grave military aggression” aimed at seizing resources.
Maduro had mobilized defenses and accused Washington of imperialism. Regional reactions poured in: Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro condemned the action, calling for UN intervention, while allies like Iran and Cuba expressed outrage.
This follows months of U.S. pressure under Operation Southern Spear, including naval blockades and prior strikes framed as anti-narcotics efforts. Maduro, indicted in 2020 for “narco-terrorism,” faces potential extradition to the U.S.
The State Department advised Americans in Venezuela to shelter in place amid ongoing instability.
As of now, neither Moscow nor Beijing has issued an official reaction to Trump’s announcement of Maduro’s capture and removal from Venezuela, though potential responses from the two powers could unfold in multifaceted ways in the coming hours.
Sources: AP, Al Jazeera, NYT, CNN, NBC
Caption: File photo. US President Donald J Trump (C) stands up to depart next to US Secretary of the Interior and Chair, National Energy Council and White House Energy Czar Doug Burgum (L), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (2-L), US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (2-R) and US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick (R) after holding a meeting with his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 02 December 2025. EPA/YURI GRIPAS / POOL
Updated: January 3, 2026 - 12:09
