UPDATE: In a stunning development early on January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured following a “large-scale strike” by U.S. military forces. The operation, described as extraordinary, took place around 4:30 a.m. ET and involved multiple explosions throughout the capital, Caracas, shaking the city and prompting immediate backlash from Maduro’s government.
Witnesses reported at least seven blasts echoing through Caracas as low-flying aircraft conducted operations in the area, leading to accusations from Maduro’s administration of an “imperialist attack” targeting civilian and military installations. Videos from the scene captured the chaos, with smoke rising from military sites as residents rushed into the streets seeking safety.
Trump confirmed via Truth Social that Maduro and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country” in coordination with U.S. Law Enforcement. He declared a news conference planned for later today to provide further details. The legal ramifications of this military action, however, remain unclear.
Amid the unfolding crisis, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is expected to assume power under Venezuelan law, although she has demanded “proof of life” for Maduro and his wife, stating, “We do not know their whereabouts.” Rodríguez has called for citizens to mobilize against the apparent U.S. aggression, declaring a state of external disturbance.
The strikes come after months of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, marked by increased military activity in the region. Earlier operations included a drone strike attributed to the CIA against a Venezuelan drug cartel docking area. Trump has previously threatened military action against Maduro’s regime as part of a broader strategy to combat drug trafficking.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a ban on all U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, underscoring the severity of the situation. In the aftermath, the U.S. Embassy in Venezuela warned American citizens to shelter in place amid reports of explosions.
The response from international leaders has been swift. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez condemned the strikes as a “criminal attack,” while Argentina’s President Javier Milei praised the U.S. actions. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are expressing concerns regarding the constitutional basis for such military operations without formal approval from Congress.
Residents in Caracas described the shocking scenes, with one witness, Carmen Hidalgo, stating, “The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes.” The city remains tense, with some areas devoid of power as armed individuals and militias roamed certain neighborhoods.
As developments unfold, the world is watching closely to see how this unprecedented operation will reshape power dynamics in Venezuela and the region. The situation remains fluid, with further military actions and political ramifications anticipated in the hours and days ahead.
