Caracas, Venezuela – January 3, 2026
In a stunning overnight military operation, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of large-scale strikes on targets in and around Caracas. President Donald Trump announced the news early Saturday, describing the raid as a “brilliant operation” that removed the longtime leader from power.
According to multiple reports, elite U.S. Army Delta Force operators executed the capture, with support from airstrikes that caused explosions and power outages in parts of the capital. Maduro and Flores were reportedly taken from a secure location—possibly a safe house or residence within the Fuerte Tiuna military complex—and swiftly transported to the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship in the Caribbean, en route to the United States.
Trump stated on Truth Social: “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 later confirmed in interviews that no U.S. personnel were killed, though a few sustained minor injuries.
The operation culminates years of U.S. pressure on Maduro, whom American authorities have long accused of running a “narco-state.” Maduro and Flores face longstanding indictments in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and related charges. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed they would “face the full wrath of American justice” upon arrival.
Reactions in Venezuela were mixed: opposition supporters and Venezuelan expatriates celebrated in cities like Miami, while Maduro loyalists protested and the government condemned the action as an “imperialist aggression.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life, and the Venezuelan military was placed on high alert.
Internationally, the move drew sharp criticism from allies like Russia and Iran, with calls for de-escalation from others. Trump indicated the U.S. would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s affairs to facilitate a “safe and judicious transition,” potentially involving opposition figures like Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado and exiled leader Edmundo González.
This marks the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America in decades, echoing historical operations but on an unprecedented scale against a sitting head of state. Details continue to emerge as Maduro heads to New York for prosecution.
SOURCES:
Trump says Venezuela’s Maduro captured after strikes | Reuters
Trump launches large scale attack on Venezuela
US captures Maduro, carries out ‘large scale strike’ in Venezuela: Trump – ABC News
Live updates: Trump addresses US capture of Venezuela President Maduro | CNN
Venezuela attack: what we know so far as US captures President Maduro | Venezuela | The Guardian
Trump says Maduro has been captured and flown to the US | AP News
Trump addresses the nation from Florida after US forces capture Maduro | Live Updates from Fox News Digital
