U.S. Strikes on Venezuela Confirmed; Trump Says Maduro Captured Amid Explosions in Caracas

Washington/London/Caracas: U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States launched military strikes against Venezuela, describing them as a “large‑scale strike” and asserting that Venezuelan President **Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.” 
Dawn News
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In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the operation was carried out with the cooperation of U.S. law enforcement and that details would be provided at a scheduled press conference. 
Dawn News

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was reported safe.

Source: WSJ https://t.co/LiRWB3c6dv

— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026

Explosions and low‑flying aircraft were reported in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela, with at least seven explosions heard in the capital, and power outages affecting parts of the city, according to international news reports. 
Wikipedia

The Venezuelan government has condemned the attacks as military aggression, saying explosions occurred in multiple states including Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Caracas has reportedly been placed under a state of emergency in response to the strikes. 
Reuters

Reports claim a U.S. airstrike hit Caracas’ Cuartel de la Montaña 4F, the historic barracks housing Hugo Chávez’s museum and mausoleum. pic.twitter.com/pBZG5urVX3

— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 3, 2026

Officials in Caracas insist that the strikes are aimed at gaining control over Venezuela’s natural resources, and they have rejected U.S. actions as unlawful. 
jang.com.pk

While the U.S. government has confirmed that the strikes took place and released initial statements, some details, including independent verification of Maduro’s capture, remain under scrutiny as more information continues to emerge.