President Donald Trump has announced the US has carried out a large-scale strike on the capital city of Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
According to President Trump, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
Donald Trump, in a post, stated, “ 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 the U.S. Law Enforcement”.
The post further revealed, “Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M, at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President Donald J. Trump”.
Reports emerging around the situation suggests the US has, for years, accused Nicolas Maduro of “drug trafficking and narco-terrorism — linking him to criminal networks that export illegal drugs, especially fentanyl, into the United States; corruption and repression — claiming his government is illegitimate, unfairly rigged elections, and has jailed political opponents; threat to US security and regional stability — including designating Venezuelan criminal organizations as foreign terrorist groups”.
“The US Justice Department previously indicted Maduro on federal charges, and the Trump administration offered a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to his arrest”.
Meanwhile, reports from CNN have earlier revealed several explosions in Caracas and reported that some areas of the city were without electricity.
CNN stated, “The first blast was recorded at approximately 1.50 AM local time on Saturday (0.50 AM ET).
Trump has repeatedly warned that the US is preparing to take new action against alleged drug trafficking networks in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López had earlier said the US attack on Saturday impacted urban areas across Venezuela, with missiles and rockets fired from American combat helicopters.
He said Venezuela is currently gathering information about the number of people killed and wounded, and confirmed the Fort Tiuna military installation in Caracas was attacked.
Lopez insisted the country would resist the presence of foreign troops in the country”.
“This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has suffered,” he added.
Some netizens reacting to Donald Trump’s post stated, “The US has done what it wanted and needed, though in 2026, why is a legitimate country being attacked for Oil? Surely can’t win a peace prize doing this?”.
Another stated, “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership & resolve and to our brave service members who have conducted a stellar military operation.
Praying this is the beginning of freedom and democracy for #Venezuela.
Our community is forever grateful & our country is safer than ever!”.
See the post below:
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/nHDqtsqRFh
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 3, 2026