Date: January 3, 2026
Incident: United States military strikes on Venezuela and reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. CBS News+1
U.S. Announcement
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that the U.S. had carried out a “large-scale strike” inside Venezuela. CBS News+1
- Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” following the operation. CBS News
- The operation was described as conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” with further details promised at a scheduled press briefing. Reuters
Military Action
- Explosions and airstrikes were reported across Caracas and other parts of Venezuela, with smoke and blasts seen in the capital. ABC News
- The strikes mark a major escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. euronews
Venezuelan Government Response
- Venezuelan authorities condemned the strike as an act of “military aggression” and declared a state of emergency. The Washington Post
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that Venezuelan officials did not know Maduro’s current whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Anadolu Ajansı
Regional Impact
- Colombia deployed security forces to its border over fears of a refugee surge. The Guardian
- International reactions vary, with some nations condemning the action and others urging calm or dialogue. The Guardian
Verification Status
- While the capture claim comes directly from the U.S. announcement, independent verification by international journalists or Venezuelan officials has not yet been confirmed. Wikipedia
Key Facts
- This is one of the most significant direct military interventions by the U.S. in Latin America in decades.
- The situation remains fluid and rapidly developing — further details are expected from official briefings and independent reporting.
- Maduro’s legal fate and Venezuela’s political leadership remain uncertain as of early reports.