In a dramatic escalation of tensions, US President Donald Trump has declared that Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured and removed from the country following a major military operation.
Pre-Dawn Assault Rocks Venezuelan Capital
The crisis unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, when residents of Caracas reported hearing explosions and seeing low-flying aircraft over the city. The Venezuelan government swiftly confirmed that the capital, along with the states of Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua, had come under attack.
In a strongly-worded statement, officials in Caracas accused the United States of launching a series of strikes against both civilian and military targets. They labelled the action "an extremely serious act of military aggression" and urged citizens to mobilise against what they termed "imperialist aggression".
Trump's Announcement and International Fallout
US President Donald Trump later confirmed the operation, stating that Venezuela's dictator, Nicolás Maduro, had been "captured" and flown out of the South American nation. He announced a press conference would be held in Florida at 11am local time (4pm GMT).
The Venezuelan government, meanwhile, has called on the international community to denounce the assault, warning it risks plunging Latin America into chaos and is a flagrant breach of international law. They accused Washington of attempting to "seize control" of Venezuela's resources, notably its vast oil and mineral reserves.
The situation prompted an immediate response from regional leaders. Gustavo Petro, the president of neighbouring Colombia, called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council, stating on social media that Venezuela was under attack.
Scene on the Ground and Unclear Future
Photographs from the scene, such as one dated 3 January 2026, show the aftermath at La Carlota air base in Caracas, including a burned-out vehicle, indicating the intensity of the engagement.
The full scale and legitimacy of the operation, along with the current whereabouts and status of Nicolás Maduro, remain subjects of intense global scrutiny. The events mark a perilous new chapter in the long-standing political and economic conflict between the US administration and the Venezuelan government.
