03/01/2026
BREAKING: Venezuelan Defense Minister Confirms Survival, Accuses United States of Military Aggression
January 3, 2026
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino LĂłpez has released a video message asserting that he is alive and sheltering in a protected location following a major military incident in Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, 2026. His message represents the first official communication from Venezuelan leadership since a reported U.S. military operation struck multiple locations across the country.
In his address, Padrino López strongly denounced what he described as a “criminal military aggression” by the government of the United States, stating that Venezuelan forces and citizens would resist any foreign presence on their soil. The Defense Minister asserted that the strikes targeted both civilian and military areas, including Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira
“We are aware of your appreciation of the work we do… Venezuela was subjected to the most criminal military aggression by the government of the United States,” Padrino López said in the video, repeating claims of foreign attack and urging Venezuelans to remain resolute.
The Minister’s statement aligns with widely reported developments that U.S. forces conducted strikes early on January 3, leading to explosions in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and other strategic zones. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. special forces and transported out of the country following the operation.
However, Venezuelan authorities have not independently confirmed Maduro’s capture or his current whereabouts. Vice President Delcy RodrĂguez is reported to be safe, but the status of Maduro remains unverified by official Venezuelan sources.
Padrino López’s message also declared the deployment of Venezuelan armed forces nationwide and emphasized national unity and resistance. He claimed that missiles and rocket attacks from helicopters struck parts of Caracas, describing the assault as a severe violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and is reportedly compiling information on casualties and damage from the strikes, which have drawn condemnation from several international actors. Russia has described the U.S. attacks as an act of aggression, calling for restraint and warning of potential further escalation.
The situation remains highly fluid, with competing narratives from U.S. and Venezuelan sources. U.S. officials have yet to provide detailed confirmation beyond initial claims, and the lack of clarity about President Maduro’s status has contributed to regional concern. Venezuelan leadership continues to frame the events as an imperialist assault on national sovereignty intended to undermine its government and seize strategic resources.
As developments unfold, Nate Media will continue to monitor verified sources and provide updates.
Note: This report is based on real-time news updates from multiple independent sources. Confirmed citations are included to provide context and verification of reported claims.
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