BREAKING: U.S. Claims Capture of Venezuelan President and First Lady After Military Operation
The United States says it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, following a large-scale overnight military operation carried out in the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026 (local time).
In a statement posted online early on 3 January 2026 (Washington time), U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces conducted coordinated strikes and “successfully captured Maduro and his wife, who were flown out of the country.”
Explosions reported overnight in Caracas
Residents in Caracas reported explosions, power outages and the sound of low-flying aircraft late Friday night, 2 January, and into the early hours of Saturday, 3 January 2026.
Videos circulating on social media during that period appeared to show flashes and blasts near military and government installations, though these images have not been independently verified.
Venezuelan state media acknowledged explosions across parts of the capital and other regions on the night of 2–3 January, but described the events as “foreign military aggression.”
Venezuelan government demands proof
Later on Saturday, 3 January 2026, Venezuela’s Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez, said authorities did not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or Cilia Flores following the overnight events and demanded “proof of life” from the United States.
Caracas has not confirmed the capture and accused Washington of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.
U.S. cites existing criminal charges
U.S. officials reiterated that Maduro has faced longstanding criminal charges in the United States, including narcotics-related allegations dating back several years, and said legal proceedings are expected to follow. As of 3 January 2026, no formal court appearance or detention location has been publicly confirmed.
International reaction on 3 January
International reaction began to emerge throughout Saturday, 3 January 2026, with several regional governments monitoring border security and potential humanitarian impacts. Allies of Caracas condemned the U.S. action, while other governments called for restraint and emergency diplomatic engagement.
The United Nations Security Council is expected to address the situation in the coming days.
