US Forces Capture Nicolas Maduro in Large-Scale Venezuela Strike 2026

The United States didn't just strike; they took the leader. In a stunning escalation of regional tensions, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been captured and flown out of the country following a massive military operation on January 3, 2026.

US Venezuela Maduro Arrest 2026: Inside the Military Operation

According to CBS and Reuters, the operation was executed by the US Army's Delta Force. Loud explosions rocked Caracas around 02:00 local time, targeting strategic locations including the La Carlota airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base. Trump described the mission on Truth Social as a "brilliant operation" conducted in conjunction with law enforcement.

The Venezuelan government, led by Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, has demanded immediate "proof of life" for the presidential couple. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López claimed the strikes hit civilian areas and vowed that the nation would resist foreign presence. A national emergency has been declared as several states, including Miranda and Aragua, reported similar attacks.

Global Backlash and Legal Proceedings

The capture follows years of accusations by Washington, which has labeled Maduro an illegitimate leader involved in drug-smuggling. The US had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest. Senator Mike Lee indicated that Maduro will now stand trial on criminal charges in the US.

International reactions have been swift and divided. Russia condemned the move as an "act of armed aggression," while leaders in Colombia and Cuba called it an assault on Latin American sovereignty. Conversely, European nations like Spain and Italy are monitoring the situation, urging for de-escalation according to international law.