In a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves across the Western Hemisphere, President Donald Trump announced early Saturday morning that the United States has successfully carried out a large-scale military strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. "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," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of January 3, 2026. The operation, reportedly involving the US Army's elite Delta Force unit, marked the culmination of months of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. Multiple explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital in the early morning hours, with at least seven blasts recorded starting at approximately 1:50 AM local time. Witnesses reported seeing fires burning at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, with smoke rising from military installations across Caracas. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed in an audio statement that the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, demanding "immediate proof of life" from the Trump administration. She added that the US attack has resulted in casualties among officials, military personnel, and civilians across the country. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López has called for a "massive deployment" of military forces throughout Venezuela in response to the strikes. The situation on the ground remains tense but relatively calm, with CNN correspondents reporting that while aircraft and helicopters were heard throughout the night, the capital has since quieted. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly informed a GOP senator that Maduro will stand trial in the United States, though details of the charges remain unclear. Trump has announced a news conference scheduled for 11 AM at Mar-a-Lago to provide additional details about the operation. The military action follows months of escalating boat strikes in the region, with 33 such operations killing at least 112 people since September. According to reports, President Trump had given the military authorization to conduct land strikes in Venezuela days before the operation occurred, with officials initially considering a Christmas Day operation that was postponed due to other military priorities and weather conditions. International reactions are expected to pour in as world leaders assess the implications of this unprecedented military action in Latin America.
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