Trump claims Venezuela President Maduro ‘captured and flown out’ of country by US forces
Trump claims Venezuela President Maduro ‘captured and flown out’ of country by US forces following a stunning pre-dawn military operation in Caracas that has sent shockwaves through the international community.4 In the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026, a series of high-precision strikes and a daring ground raid reportedly resulted in the detention of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, Cilia Flores.5 This escalation marks the most direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.6
Nicolás Maduro Captured: The Delta Force Raid
The reports that Nicolás Maduro captured by U.S. forces began circulating after President Donald Trump broke the news on his Truth Social platform.7 According to sources cited by CBS News, the operation was executed by the elite Delta Force, the same unit responsible for high-profile missions such as the 2019 raid on ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
“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.9 This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.10 Details to follow!” — Donald J. Trump on Truth Social
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly informed Republican senators that Maduro is currently in U.S. custody and will face trial on criminal charges related to narco-terrorism.11 Rubio indicated that the administration “anticipates no further action in Venezuela” now that the primary target is secured.
Caracas Explosions January 2026: A City in Chaos
The capture was preceded by a massive aerial bombardment. The Caracas explosions January 2026 targeted strategic military installations to paralyze the Venezuelan response. Witnesses reported at least seven massive blasts starting around 2:00 AM local time.
Targets hit during the strikes included:
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Fuerte Tiuna: Venezuela’s largest military complex and the suspected residence of Maduro.
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La Carlota Airbase: The primary military airfield in the heart of the capital.
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Higuerote Airport: A strategic site to the east of Caracas.
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Barquisimeto Air Force Base: A key regional hub for the Venezuelan Air Force.
Residents described the terrifying sounds of low-flying aircraft and the “unmistakable roar” of missiles. Large plumes of smoke were seen billowing from military hangars, and significant portions of southern Caracas reportedly lost power immediately following the strikes.
Operation Southern Spear: From Blockade to Ground Strike
The raid is the culmination of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign officially launched in late 2025. Originally framed as an anti-narcotics mission to disrupt the “Cartel of the Suns,” the operation evolved into a total blockade of Venezuelan oil and maritime routes.
Under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Navy and Southern Command have spent months destroying “narco-boats” and seizing tankers. However, the events of January 3 represent a shift from maritime “gray zone” warfare to a direct kinetic strike on a sovereign capital. Analysts suggest that the U.S. utilized its most advanced stealth assets and autonomous systems to bypass Venezuelan air defenses, which had recently been bolstered by Russian equipment.
Venezuela State of Emergency and Resistance
In the immediate aftermath, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state television to confirm that the government did not know the whereabouts of the President. Declaring a Venezuela state of emergency, she demanded “immediate proof of life” for Maduro and his wife.
The Venezuelan Defense Ministry, led by Vladimir Padrino López, characterized the assault as a “criminal act of state terrorism” and a “flagrant violation of international law.” The government has called for a “massive deployment” of all remaining military resources and urged the civilian population to form an “indestructible wall of resistance” against what they term an imperialist invasion.
Gustavo Petro UN Meeting: Global Fallout
The regional reaction has been one of alarm and condemnation. Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to X (formerly Twitter) to alert the world, stating, “They are bombing Caracas.” Petro has called for a Gustavo Petro UN meeting to address the “unprecedented assault on a zone of peace.”
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran have issued stern warnings. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the capture an “act of armed aggression,” while Iran denounced it as a “violation of national sovereignty.” Cuba has also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people, demanding an international response to the U.S. actions.
Summary of the Conflict: January 3, 2026
| Event | Status | Details |
| Status of Maduro | Captured | Flown out of Venezuela by Delta Force. |
| Status of Caracas | State of Emergency | Military installations destroyed; power outages reported. |
| US Stance | Criminal Prosecution | Maduro to face trial in the U.S. for narco-terrorism. |
| International Response | Polarized | U.S. allies remain quiet; Russia/Iran/Colombia condemn. |
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Conclusion
As Trump claims Venezuela President Maduro ‘captured and flown out’ of country by US forces, the world awaits the promised press conference at Mar-a-Lago for further details. The removal of Maduro creates a massive power vacuum in Caracas, leaving the future of the Venezuelan military and the country’s vast oil reserves in a state of extreme uncertainty.
Mainstream Media References
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Al Jazeera: Trump claims Venezuela’s Maduro ‘captured’ after attacks
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The Guardian: Trump claims US has captured Venezuela’s President Maduro and wife
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CBS News: U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Maduro captured
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