U.S. Claims Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in Major Military Operation
U.S. officials claim that American forces carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, 2026, allegedly resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
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According to the reports, the operation involved airstrikes and a coordinated special-operations raid targeting key locations. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country.”
U.S. sources further claim that Maduro is now in American custody and is expected to be brought to the United States to face long-standing federal charges related to narco-terrorism and international drug trafficking. Maduro has been under U.S. indictment since 2020, with Washington previously labeling his administration a “narco-state” and offering rewards of up to $50 million for information leading to his arrest.
Inside Venezuela, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Residents in Caracas and other regions reported explosions and sightings of low-flying aircraft during the operation. Venezuelan authorities have declared a national emergency, stating they do not know Maduro’s current whereabouts.
The Venezuelan government has strongly condemned the alleged action, describing it as an illegal violation of national sovereignty, and has demanded proof of life and clarity on the president’s status.
As of the time of this report, no independent confirmation has been provided by international bodies, and full operational details have not been officially released. The developments, if confirmed, would mark a dramatic escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations, with global attention now focused on official statements and further verification.
U.S. Claims Capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in Major Military Operation