Trump said the U.S. conducted overnight strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro, prompting Caracas residents to report explosions, smoke, and outages. Venezuelan leaders condemned the action as allies demanded proof of life and warned of serious consequences.
CARACAS, VENEZUELA (3-minute read) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States carried out a major military operation in Venezuela and removed President Nicolas Maduro from power, describing it as the most direct U.S. intervention in the region in decades.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Maduro and the first lady were captured and flown out of the country, and he promised more details during a news conference later that morning at his Florida resort, Mar a Lago.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.… pic.twitter.com/sFa5OC4ZrZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026
U.S. officials have accused Maduro of turning Venezuela into a narco state and manipulating the 2024 election, allegations Maduro has long denied. He has argued Washington’s real goal is control of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Venezuela’s government said civilians and members of the military were killed in the strikes, but it did not release numbers. A Venezuelan official said they did not know where Maduro or his wife were and demanded proof of life.
Venezuela strike and Caracas reaction
In the early hours of Saturday, residents in Caracas reported a burst of explosions and the sound of aircraft for roughly 90 minutes. Videos shared online showed dark smoke and bright flashes in the sky. Some neighborhoods experienced power outages near major military facilities, according to witnesses and local media aligned with the government.
Officials declared a national emergency, mobilized troops, and urged the public not to cooperate with what they called a foreign aggressor. As daylight arrived, parts of the capital appeared calmer, with soldiers visible in some areas, while many people remained unsure what would happen next.
A U.S. official cited by Reuters said elite forces captured Maduro. Senator Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him Maduro may face criminal charges in the United States.
International reaction came quickly, with Russia, Cuba, and Iran condemning the strikes and calling for action at the United Nations. Questions also surfaced about what legal authority supported the operation, and whether Trump could face political blowback at home.
Energy sources familiar with Venezuela’s state oil company said production and refining continued normally, though one major port near Caracas reportedly suffered significant damage. Analysts warned oil prices could rise in the short term as markets assess supply risk.
Safety Tip: If you live in or travel to areas facing unrest, avoid crowds, keep a low profile, know local firearm laws before you go, and secure any firearms in locked storage with access controlled and documented.
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