U.S. Captures Nicolás Maduro in "Large-Scale" Strike: Trump Confirms Venezuelan Leader Taken Into Custody
In a historic and rapidly evolving turn of events, President Donald Trump announced early this morning, January 3, 2026, that the United States has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.1 The announcement followed a series of coordinated military strikes across Venezuela that began around 2:00 a.m. local time, rocking the capital city of Caracas and several surrounding states. According to statements from the President on Truth Social, the operation was conducted by U.S. forces in conjunction with federal law enforcement and has resulted in Maduro being "flown out of the country."
In a historic and rapidly evolving turn of events, President Donald Trump announced early this morning, January 3, 2026, that the United States has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.1 The announcement followed a series of coordinated military strikes across Venezuela that began around 2:00 a.m. local time, rocking the capital city of Caracas and several surrounding states. According to statements from the President on Truth Social, the operation was conducted by U.S. forces in conjunction with federal law enforcement and has resulted in Maduro being "flown out of the country."
The strikes, which the Venezuelan government has characterized as a "grave military aggression," targeted key military and strategic installations.Eyewitnesses in Caracas reported hearing at least seven major explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft, including reports of U.S. Army helicopters in the area. Key targets included the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and the La Carlota airbase, both of which saw significant fire and smoke in the aftermath of the blasts.Large sections of the capital reportedly lost power immediately following the strikes, and a national state of emergency has since been declared by the remaining members of the Venezuelan government.
This operation, part of what has been described as "Operation Southern Spear," follows months of escalating tension and a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of leading a "narco-state" and rigging the nation's elections, while Maduro has consistently maintained that Washington's primary goal is to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral reserves. International reaction has been swift and polarized; Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, while allies like Cuba have condemned the action as a violation of international law.
As of mid-morning, a "tense calm" has reportedly fallen over Caracas, though the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially barred all U.S. aircraft from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity. President Trump is scheduled to provide further details and an official statement regarding the future of the mission during a press conference at 11:00 a.m. EST from Mar-a-Lago.
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