President Donald Trump has declared a dramatic overnight US military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of the country's leader Nicolás Maduro, as the greatest assault of its kind since the Second World War.
'Overwhelming Power' Used in Caracas Blitz
Addressing reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort on the evening of Saturday, January 3, 2026, Trump stated that the operation was directed on his orders. US armed forces launched the strike on the Venezuelan capital late on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday.
The president described the use of overwhelming American military power across air, land, and sea to execute what he called a "spectacular assault." He emphasised the scale of the action, stating: "It was an assault like people have not seen since World War II."
Eyewitnesses in Caracas reported multiple explosions—at least seven blasts—and the sound of low-flying aircraft during the attack, which lasted under half an hour. The events caused panic, with residents rushing into the streets and sharing footage on social media showing tracer fire and explosions illuminating the night sky.
Maduro to Face 'American Justice'
Trump labelled Maduro an "illegitimate dictator" and a criminal "kingpin." The Venezuelan president, along with his wife Cilia Flores, was indicted on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges by the US Justice Department in 2020, with a new indictment released this past Saturday.
Following his capture, Trump announced that Maduro will now face "the full might of American justice" and will stand trial on US soil. The president shared an image on his Truth Social platform showing a blindfolded Maduro, dressed in a sweatsuit, aboard a ship.
Trump asserted that the United States will administer Venezuela until a "safe, proper and judicious" transfer of power can be arranged. He warned that while the US is prepared to launch a "much bigger" second wave of attacks, he "probably" will not need to authorise it now.
Months of Buildup to Armed Conflict
The direct military strike follows an extended pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Maduro's government. This has included a major buildup of American forces in waters off South America and a series of strikes on boats suspected of drug trafficking.
As of Friday, January 2, the administration reported at least 35 boat strikes, resulting in a minimum of 115 fatalities. Trump has framed these actions as part of an "armed conflict" with drug cartels, necessary to stem the flow of narcotics into the United States.
Just last week, the CIA conducted a drone strike on a docking area in Venezuela believed to be used by drug cartels, marking an escalation in direct operations. The Venezuelan government has consistently denounced US military activities as a pretext to forcibly remove Maduro from power.
