Trump Claims US Forces Detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Major Military Operation
Caracas: The United States has carried out a major military operation in Venezuela, with former US President Donald Trump claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been detained and transferred خارج the country.
According to foreign media reports, multiple explosions were heard in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, while low-flying aircraft were seen over several parts of the city. Initial reports suggest at least seven explosions in Caracas, with other affected regions including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
US media outlets reported that the operation was conducted on Trump’s orders. The alleged objective of the strikes has been described as gaining control over Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources, though this has not been independently verified.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned the attacks, stating that the United States would never succeed in seizing the country’s natural resources and rejecting what it called American military aggression.
Russian media claimed that US strikes targeted Venezuelan defense headquarters, adding that President Maduro had left the presidential palace for a secure location. Unconfirmed reports have also emerged of US Marines launching ground operations on several islands.
Colombian President, meanwhile, said that missiles were being fired at Caracas and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
BREAKING: Explosions have been heard and plumes of smoke are rising in the Venezuelan capital Caracas, according to an Al Jazeera correspondent there, amid spiralling tensions with the US. pic.twitter.com/2ULTTSfl3O
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 3, 2026
Donald Trump later claimed that Maduro and his wife had been arrested and transferred out of Venezuela. According to US media, Maduro was allegedly taken into custody by the US Army’s elite Delta Force. It is worth noting that in August 2025, the US Attorney General announced a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.
Republican Senator Mike Lee said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him that Maduro had been detained to face criminal charges, adding that the United States had no intention of further action beyond legal proceedings.
However, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government currently has no information about the whereabouts of President Maduro or First Lady Cilia Flores and has demanded immediate proof of life for both.
🇺🇸🇻🇪- Scenes from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.
Smoke plumes are emitting from Fort Tiuna, a major military installation in Caracas. It is reported that 6 smoke columns are seen rising from the area.
– Air raid sirens all throughout Caracas pic.twitter.com/oREe0iKHnZ
— OSINT SPT (@smkycath) January 3, 2026
Venezuelan authorities have confirmed that US attacks took place in multiple parts of the country. In Caracas, loud explosions and large columns of smoke were observed, further escalating tensions.
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino warned that the country would strongly resist any foreign military presence, stressing that the nation would defend its sovereignty.
The United States has reportedly increased its military presence in the region, deploying an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets in the Caribbean. Washington has also imposed sanctions on Venezuelan oil, introduced additional economic measures, and carried out strikes on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking—claims that the Venezuelan government has firmly denied.
Several countries have criticized the reported US actions, calling them a violation of international law, as the situation in Venezuela continues to develop amid growing global concern.
