US Military Strikes Lead to Capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

Sun Jan 04 2026 12:22:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a stunning series of events, US President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following significant military strikes on Caracas. This polarizing development has triggered a national emergency in Venezuela amidst rising tensions between the two nations.

The US has executed a large-scale military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, amidst explosive confrontations in the capital. In the wake of these events, the Venezuelan government is demanding evidence of Maduro's wellbeing and has declared a state of emergency. President Trump confirms the operation's success, linking it to ongoing drug trafficking concerns.

US Military Strikes Lead to Capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

The US has captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro after a large scale strike on the South American country, US President Donald Trump has stated. Trump revealed that Maduro and his wife were taken out of Venezuela in a military operation conducted in cooperation with US law enforcement.

Significant explosions were reported in Caracas, including at military installations, prompting the Venezuelan government to demand proof of life for Maduro and declare a national emergency.

This unprecedented act comes amidst escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela, with accusations flying over drug trafficking and Maduro's legitimacy as a leader.

What We Know About Maduro's Capture

Details surrounding Maduro's capture remain scarce; Trump provided little information about the precise nature of the operation or Maduro's current whereabouts. Reports suggest that the US Army's elite Delta Force was involved in the operation.

Trump announced he would provide more details at a subsequent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

In-Depth on the Strikes

Early morning strikes around Caracas were heard, indicating possible attacks on military installations such as La Carlota airfield and Fuerte Tiuna base. Reports state that electrical outages have affected nearby communities.

Reactions from Venezuela

Venezuela's government has expressed shock at the situation, demanding immediate proof of life for both Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, while also condemning the strikes as a severe military provocation.

Trump's Statements

The White House initially refrained from comments following the explosions, but Trump later confirmed on social media that the US executed the strikes. He emphasized the successful apprehension of Maduro and his wife during this operation.

Context and Backstory on Maduro

Nicolás Maduro has been a contentious figure since succeeding Hugo Chávez in 2013, facing criticism and accusations of electoral fraud. His capture is linked to ongoing US efforts to curb drug trafficking, with significant rewards previously offered for his arrest.

The implications of this military operation and its aftermath are yet to be fully realized but certainly mark a pivotal moment in US-Venezuelan relations.