The United States has launched a dramatic military intervention in Venezuela, with large-scale strikes targeting the capital and other regions, culminating in the reported capture and removal of the country's president, Nicolás Maduro.
Details of the Military Operation
The situation escalated rapidly in the early hours of Saturday 3 January 2026. Residents of Caracas reported multiple explosions and the sight of low-flying aircraft over the city. Videos shared on social media showed smoke billowing from the hangar of a military base in the capital.
The Venezuelan government stated that the strikes, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, also hit the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. In response to the unfolding crisis, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency order, prohibiting all US flights from Venezuelan airspace due to the "potentially hazardous situation" created by the ongoing military activity.
The Capture of President Maduro
The most startling development was announced by former US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. He stated that the US had "successfully carried out a large-scale strike" and that Maduro, along with his wife Cilia Flores, had been "captured" and flown out of Venezuela.
"This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow," Trump added. A US official later told Reuters that elite special forces troops were responsible for the capture. Meanwhile, sources within the Venezuelan opposition suggested to Sky News that the event may have been a "negotiated exit" for the leader.
There has been no immediate official confirmation from the Venezuelan government regarding Maduro's status or departure.
Venezuela's Response and Regional Fallout
In reaction to the strikes, the Venezuelan government declared a national emergency. It accused the United States of attempting to seize the nation's strategic oil and mineral resources and to break its political independence.
A government statement read: "The entire country must mobilise to defeat this imperialist aggression... Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people."
This military action marks a significant escalation after months of rising tensions. The Trump administration had previously accused Venezuela of narco-terrorism and failing to cooperate with anti-drug efforts, charges Maduro dismissed as a pretext for regime change.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further instability in the region as the world awaits more details on this unprecedented operation and the fate of the Venezuelan leadership.
