On January 3, 2026, the United States carried out a major military offensive against Venezuela, involving airstrikes and special forces operations in and around Caracas and other parts of the country. Explosions were widely reported in the early hours, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas.
President Donald Trump announced that the offensive included striking multiple targets inside Venezuela and that the operation was “successful,” shortly after explosions rang out across the Venezuelan capital.
Trump Says Maduro and His Wife Have Been Captured
President Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and “flown out of the country” by U.S. forces during the operation. He made the announcement on social media and stated that more details would be shared in a scheduled press briefing.
According to statements from U.S. officials, the elite U.S. Army Delta Force — a special missions unit — was involved in the capture, which followed months of increased U.S. pressure on Maduro’s government related to allegations including narcotics trafficking.
Venezuela’s Reaction to the Operation
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the U.S. action, calling it a “military aggression” and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. Officials, including the Vice President, demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife and called on citizens to mobilize in response to what they described as an attack on the nation.
Venezuelan authorities also declared a state of emergency, and senior officials denounced the operation at the United Nations and other international forums.
International Response
The operation has drawn widespread international attention and criticism. Countries such as Russia and Iran quickly condemned the U.S. strikes as violations of international law and national sovereignty. Other nations and regional organizations have expressed concern about the implications for peace and stability in Latin America.
Legal and Diplomatic Questions
U.S. actions — including military strikes and the reported capture of a sitting foreign president — raise complex legal and diplomatic questions, especially regarding international law and congressional authorization for the use of force. Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized the operation as potentially illegal due to lack of clear legislative backing.
What’s Next
Details about:
- where Maduro and his wife were taken,
- the legal process they will face,
- and how Venezuela’s government will function in his absence
remain unclear or unverified as of the latest reports. Global institutions and neighboring countries are monitoring events closely for further developments.
Note: This summary reflects current claims and reporting from major news outlets as of today. The situation is rapidly evolving, and independent verification of some details — especially regarding Maduro’s status — may emerge in ongoing coverage.
Discover more from News Diaries
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.