News Desk Staff Reporter,January 3, 2026:President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that U.S. forces conducted a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were subsequently flown out of the country.
The operation, carried out by the elite U.S. Army Delta Force, targeted key military sites in Caracas, including Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota airbase, amid reports of explosions and fires. Trump described the mission as a success in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement, with Maduro set to face longstanding narco-terrorism charges in a New York federal court.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro and Flores would “soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil,” referencing a 2020 indictment and potential new charges. A $50 million bounty had been placed on Maduro’s arrest.
The strikes follow months of escalating U.S. pressure, including naval buildup in the Caribbean and attacks on alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated no further military action is anticipated.
International reactions were swift: Russia and Iran condemned the operation as aggression, while the EU called for restraint and respect for international law. Venezuela’s government declared a state of emergency, deployed forces, and demanded proof of life for Maduro.
The capture echoes the 1990 arrest of Panama’s Manuel Noriega, occurring exactly 35 years later. Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for more details.
This developing story marks a major escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with global implications for sovereignty, drug policy, and regional stability. Stay tuned for updates.
