US Forces Capture Venezuelan President Maduro

On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces following a significant military strike in Caracas, as announced by President Donald Trump. Maduro, who faces several criminal charges in the United States, was apprehended alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, during the operation, carried out by Delta Force.

President Trump described the operation as a “brilliant” execution. The strike lasted under 30 minutes and involved reports of at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft, leading Maduro to declare a state of emergency. He accused the U.S. of orchestrating the attack. Just before the military action began, the Federal Aviation Administration had restricted air travel in Venezuelan airspace due to safety concerns.

From his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump claimed to have monitored the raid through live video feeds and indicated that Maduro was trying to flee to a fortified house during the attack. He noted there were few injuries on the U.S. side but did not report any deaths.

Initially planned for several days earlier, the attack was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Following the strike, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, stating on state-run television that their whereabouts were unknown.

Maduro has long been implicated in narcoterrorism, with the U.S. accusing him of leading a criminal cartel responsible for massive cocaine shipments. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against Maduro and his wife, emphasizing the seriousness of their alleged crimes.

In response to critics questioning the legality of the operation, Vice President JD Vance stated that Maduro’s indictments in the U.S. warranted action, arguing that living in a palace does not exempt anyone from justice.

This military action follows an increased pressure campaign from the Trump administration against Maduro, including recent military operations aimed at drug trafficking. President Trump had hinted at forthcoming military actions since last November, while Maduro had previously expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with the U.S. about drug trafficking—an offer that Trump later dismissed.

This situation is still developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.