Breaking News: U.S. Military Strike Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

January 3, 2026 - In a dramatic and unprecedented operation, U.S. President Donald Trump announced early this morning that U.S. military forces have carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela, leading to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

President Trump stated that the operation was aimed at dismantling what he described as a corrupt regime in Venezuela. The military strike took place in the early hours, targeting multiple locations across the capital, Caracas, as well as other strategic sites throughout the country.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions and observed low-flying aircraft in various parts of Caracas around 2:00 a.m. local time. Key military installations, including the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base and Fort Tiuna, were among the sites affected by the strike.

In his address, President Trump emphasized that the operation was a response to ongoing human rights abuses and corruption within the Venezuelan government. The U.S. has long accused Maduro's regime of authoritarian practices and undermining democratic institutions in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, has strongly condemned the U.S. actions, calling them “imperialist aggression” and accusing the U.S. of attempting to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral resources. In response, the Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and urged its citizens to remain vigilant.

International reactions have been swift, with various countries and international organizations calling for calm and restraint. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Venezuela. As the situation remains fluid, we will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.

Aaron Joyce, Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk; January 3, 2026