U.S. Launches Strikes in Venezuela, President Trump Announces Maduro's Capture

U.S. Military Action in Venezuela Confirmed

The United States carried out extensive military strikes across Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, culminating in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation via a post on Truth Social, confirming a 'large scale strike' and the removal of the Venezuelan leader.

The strikes, which reportedly involved the U.S. Army's Delta Force, an elite special forces unit, targeted multiple locations across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were observed, with military installations such as Fuerte Tiuna and the La Carlota airbase, as well as La Guaira port and antennas in Cerro El Volcán, among the reported sites hit. President Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET at Mar-a-Lago to provide further details.

Background to the Operation

The military action follows months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro's government. This pressure included a significant U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, the seizure of oil tankers, and strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking. Nicolás Maduro was indicted in a U.S. federal court in 2020 on alleged narcoterrorism charges. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, would face charges in the United States.

The operation has drawn comparisons to the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, which led to the capture of then-leader Manuel Noriega, occurring exactly 36 years to the day after Noriega's surrender.

Venezuelan and International Reactions

In response to the strikes, Venezuela's government swiftly condemned the U.S. actions, labeling them an 'imperialist attack' and accusing the United States of targeting civilian and military infrastructure. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a demand for 'proof of life' for President Maduro and his wife, whose whereabouts were not immediately confirmed by Venezuelan officials. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced the deployment of military forces across the country, and a national state of emergency was declared.

International reactions have been divided. Russia and Iran were among the nations that condemned the U.S. strikes, with Iran calling it a 'flagrant violation of national sovereignty' and Russia describing it as 'an act of armed aggression'. Conversely, Argentina's President Javier Milei reportedly praised the action.

Uncertainty Regarding Legal Authority and Future Steps

The legal authority for the U.S. military action remains unclear, with lawmakers in the U.S. Congress raising reservations and objections regarding the lack of specific approval for such operations. With Nicolás Maduro removed from power, questions arise about the immediate future of Venezuela's leadership. Under Venezuelan law, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume power, though there has been no confirmation of this transition. The U.S. has indicated it will be 'very much involved' in deciding the next steps for Venezuela.