UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, flying them out of the country following early morning attacks on January 3, 2026. Explosions rocked the capital, Caracas, around 2 AM local time, targeting military installations.
US President Donald Trump announced the operation less than an hour ago, tweeting, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.” He confirmed the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement, adding that further details would be shared at a news conference scheduled for 11 AM at Mar-a-Lago.
Footage from the scene depicts US helicopters over the city, with the Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, stating their government is unaware of Maduro’s current whereabouts and demanding proof of life from the US.
In a conversation with the New York Times, Trump described the operation as “a brilliant success,” praising the planning and execution of the mission. US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, heralded it as “a new dawn for Venezuela,” emphasizing that “the tyrant is gone” and that Maduro will now face justice.
This bold military action follows years of US accusations against Maduro, alleging his involvement in a sustained campaign of narco-terrorism. The US has previously engaged in military confrontations against suspected drug traffickers, resulting in the deaths of 110 alleged criminals. In response to these claims, Maduro had called himself a victim of Colombian drug cartels, vehemently denying all accusations.
The US has refused to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president since the 2024 election, heightening tensions between the two nations. In light of the recent developments, many are questioning whether this move will lead to a shift in power among Venezuela’s opposition.
Venezuelan officials have condemned the US actions, with a statement declaring, “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, condemns, and denounces the extremely grave military aggression carried out by the current government of the United States.” They assert that the attacks are aimed at seizing Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals, and claim they will not succeed.
This unprecedented military operation is being described as “an event without modern precedent,” with parallels drawn to the capture of Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega in 1989.
As the situation continues to develop, the world watches closely for further updates and implications for Venezuela’s future. Stay tuned for more breaking news on this evolving story.
