Washington / Caracas | January 3, 2026
The United States has claimed responsibility for a major military operation targeting Venezuela that allegedly resulted in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, according to statements made by US President Donald Trump.
In a public address, Trump said the operation was carried out by elite US forces, including Delta Force, and described it as a decisive action comparable to past US missions against former leaders such as Saddam Hussein. US officials stated that Maduro was taken into custody and transferred out of Venezuela, with legal proceedings expected in the United States.
Multiple explosions were reported in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, during the operation, leading to widespread power outages and public panic. Venezuelan security forces were seen patrolling largely deserted streets as the government declared a nationwide state of emergency.
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced the deployment of large numbers of troops across key regions, citing threats to national sovereignty. State media accused the United States of violating international law, while independent verification of events on the ground remains limited.
The operation reportedly took place shortly after Maduro met with a senior Chinese envoy, adding a geopolitical dimension to the unfolding crisis. US authorities have previously indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges, with a trial expected to be held in New York if custody is confirmed.
Despite the military action, US officials said Venezuela’s oil infrastructure was not targeted, easing immediate concerns over global energy supply disruptions. International reactions have been mixed, with some governments calling for restraint and others demanding an emergency United Nations review.
The situation remains fluid as the world awaits independent confirmation and further details on the legal, diplomatic, and regional consequences of the reported operation.
