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U.S. Claims Maduro Capture After Venezuela Operation

Authorities in Caracas have condemned the alleged operation, describing it as a serious breach of sovereignty and a violation of international law.
January 3, 2026
Supporters of Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro with a national flag and a portrait of him, gather in the streets of Caracas on January 3, 2026, after US forces captured him. President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces had captured Venezuela's leader Nicolas Maduro after bombing the capital Caracas and other cities in a dramatic climax to a months-long standoff between Trump and his Venezuelan arch-foe. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP via Getty Images)

The international community was left stunned on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had carried out a major operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and their removal from the country by air.

Trump made the announcement through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that the operation was a significant success and had been conducted with the involvement of U.S. law enforcement agencies. He added that more details would be released later in the day during a scheduled press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

If confirmed, the operation would represent one of the most dramatic actions taken by the United States against a foreign head of state in modern times. The claim has immediately sparked widespread debate, concern, and uncertainty across Latin America and beyond, as governments and international organizations seek clarification on what exactly has taken place.

Relations between Washington and Caracas have been tense for years, shaped by political disagreements, economic sanctions, and accusations from the United States that Maduro has been involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking. The Venezuelan leader has consistently rejected these claims, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at weakening his government.

Reports from within Venezuela indicate that residents in parts of the capital, Caracas, and nearby regions heard loud blasts and experienced power disruptions in the early hours of Saturday. Independent confirmation remains limited, and Venezuelan officials have yet to issue a detailed explanation. Authorities in Caracas have condemned the alleged operation, describing it as a serious breach of sovereignty and a violation of international law.

The situation has prompted swift reactions from global institutions. Diplomats at the United Nations have voiced concern and urged restraint, warning that unilateral military actions could further destabilize an already fragile region. Several governments have called for transparency and dialogue, emphasizing the need to avoid escalation.

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Inside Venezuela, the announcement has fueled confusion and anxiety among citizens already grappling with years of economic hardship, political division, and social strain. While some opposition figures see the claims as a potential turning point, others caution that foreign intervention could deepen instability rather than resolve it.

Analysts say the long-term implications could be far-reaching, particularly given Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and strategic importance. They warn that uncertainty surrounding leadership, legality, and international response could have lasting effects on regional security and global diplomacy.

As questions continue to mount over the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, the legal basis of the reported action, and the credibility of the claims, the world is watching closely. Until verified information emerges from multiple official sources, the situation remains fluid and highly sensitive, with potential consequences well beyond Venezuela’s borders.

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