Breaking - President Trump Announces Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro in U.S. Military Operation
- Lynn Matthews
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Elite U.S. forces reportedly executed a pre-dawn strike in Caracas, detaining Maduro and his wife on long-standing narco-terrorism charges.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced early this morning that U.S. forces conducted a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. According to Trump, both have been flown out of the country and are en route to the United States to face long-standing drug trafficking charges.
Trump’s Statement
In a Truth Social post, President Trump said:
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago.”
Key Details of the Operation
Timeline
Reports from Caracas indicate that explosions and low-flying aircraft — reportedly U.S. Apaches and Chinooks — were heard around 2–3 a.m. local time. Multiple blasts were recorded near key military installations, including:
Fuerte Tiuna — Venezuela’s main military headquarters
La Carlota Airfield
Other strategic sites in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira
Execution
Several major news agencies, including CBS and Reuters, are citing unnamed U.S. defense and intelligence sources confirming involvement by elite U.S. units, including Delta Force. No U.S. casualties have been reported at this time. Officials described the mission as a targeted capture operation tied to Maduro’s 2020 U.S. indictment, which includes charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking and carries a multi-million-dollar bounty.
Venezuelan Government Reaction
The Venezuelan government has declared a national emergency, denouncing the strike as an act of military aggression. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez issued a statement claiming that authorities do not know Maduro’s whereabouts and demanded proof of life.
Defense Minister Admiral Remigio Ceballos warned that any attempt to exploit the current instability could lead to lawlessness, urging citizens to remain calm and comply with emergency directives.
International Response
Criticism and Concern
Russia and Iran have publicly condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of national sovereignty.
The European Union urged restraint, emphasizing the need for de-escalation and adherence to international law.
Support and Reactions
Argentina’s President Javier Milei applauded the news, calling it a bold step toward regional stabilization.
Some Venezuelan opposition leaders reportedly celebrated in parts of the country.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the international community to confirmed reports of explosions and military activity in Caracas.
Background Context
This operation follows months of escalating tension between the United States and the Maduro regime. Washington has imposed extensive sanctions on Venezuela, seized oil tankers linked to the government, and repeatedly accused Maduro of overseeing a narco-state that undermines democratic processes and regional stability. U.S. officials have also criticized Venezuela’s 2024 elections as neither free nor fair.
Analysts are comparing the operation to the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama and the capture of General Manuel Noriega, though details about the current U.S. military footprint and long-term plans remain sparse.
On the Ground in Venezuela
Reports from Venezuelan cities remain mixed and fluid:
In some neighborhoods, residents have gathered in the streets, cheering the announcement and expressing hope for change.
In others, blackouts persist and emergency measures remain in place.
Communication disruptions and sporadic unrest are ongoing as the situation continues to develop.
What’s Next
President Trump is expected to hold a news conference at 11 A.M. local time at Mar-a-Lago, where additional details about the operation, the legal process against Maduro and Flores, and broader U.S. policy in the region are anticipated. International leaders and foreign ministries around the world will likely respond following the briefing.
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