In an unprecedented and dramatic escalation of international tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, January 3, 2026, that the United States has successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of massive airstrikes on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
The announcement, made via the President’s Truth Social platform, confirmed that U.S. military and law enforcement agencies carried out the operation in the early hours of the morning.
The Attack: A Night of Fire and Smoke
At approximately 2:00 a.m. local time, at least seven large explosions rocked Caracas. Residents reported the deafening sound of low-flying aircraft and missiles.
- Key Targets: Strikes reportedly hit major military hubs, including Fuerte Tiuna (Venezuela’s largest military complex) and La Carlota Air Base. Fires were also reported at the La Guaira Port.
- Regional Impact: Beyond Caracas, the Venezuelan government confirmed attacks in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
- Power Grid: A significant portion of southern Caracas was left without electricity immediately following the blasts.
Donald Trump’s Announcement
President Trump took to social media to claim a decisive victory in what the administration has labeled “Operation Southern Spear.”
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
The President has scheduled a formal press conference at 11:00 a.m. EST today at Mar-a-Lago to provide further details on the capture and the future of Venezuelan governance.
Venezuela’s Response: “Military Aggression”
The Venezuelan government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, has issued a defiant response:
- National Emergency: A national state of emergency (state of external commotion) has been declared across the country.
- “Proof of Life”: Vice President Rodríguez has demanded the U.S. provide “proof of life” for Maduro and Flores, as their current whereabouts remain unconfirmed by Caracas.
- Mobilization: The military has called for a “massive deployment” of all land, air, and naval capabilities to resist what they call “imperialist aggression.”
Global Context
This operation follows months of threats from Washington, which has accused Maduro of narco-terrorism and heading a drug cartel. The U.S. had recently deployed the USS Gerald R. Ford and other advanced warships to the Caribbean as part of a naval blockade. Meanwhile, regional allies like Colombia and Cuba have called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.