United States President Donald Trump has announced that US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a wave of American military strikes on Venezuela.
Trump made the announcement on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after what he described as “large-scale” air operations targeting key military and strategic locations across the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. According to him, the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies and resulted in Maduro being apprehended and flown out of the country.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated that the United States had “successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,” adding that further details would be released. He also disclosed that a formal press briefing would take place at 11:00 a.m. EST at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The military action reportedly began in the early hours of the morning, with near-simultaneous explosions hitting major installations. Witnesses said Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s main military base, and La Carlota air base were among the primary targets.
Residents of Caracas described intense explosions that reverberated across the valley, shaking buildings and sending thick black smoke into the air. Several areas of the city were left without electricity, while military helicopters were seen flying over the presidential palace.
Before reports of Maduro’s capture emerged, the Venezuelan government released a statement condemning the strikes, describing them as an act of imperialist military aggression. Maduro was said to have signed a decree declaring a “state of external commotion” nationwide and ordered the full activation of national defense plans.
Venezuelan authorities accused the United States of attempting to seize the country’s strategic resources, particularly its oil and mineral reserves, and urged grassroots groups and militias to mobilize in defense of the nation.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
