03/01/2026
On January 3, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the United States successfully conducted a large-scale military strike against Venezuela. In the operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country. Trump stated that the action was carried out in coordination with US law enforcement agencies, and more details would follow in a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago.
The announcement came shortly after multiple powerful explosions rocked Caracas and surrounding areas, targeting key military sites including Fuerte Tiuna (Venezuela's largest military complex) and La Carlota airfield. Smoke and fires were reported at these locations, with low-flying aircraft and helicopters sighted.
The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency, condemned the strikes as a "grave military aggression" by the US aimed at seizing oil and mineral resources, and called on citizens to mobilize in the streets. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López vowed resistance against any foreign troops. Allies like Cuba denounced the action as "criminal."
This marks a dramatic escalation in Trump's months-long campaign against Maduro, involving sanctions, strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels, oil tanker seizures, and a massive naval buildup in the region. The US has accused Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime and offered a $50 million reward for his arrest.
The situation remains fluid, with no confirmed details on Maduro's current location or potential casualties.