OperationIn a stunning escalation of U.S. foreign policy President Donald Trump announced on January 3, 2026 that American forces executed a large scale strike on Venezuela resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
The couple was swiftly flown out of the country marking a dramatic end to Maduro’s long controversial rule.
Trump revealed the operation via Truth Social stating it was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement.
Reports from Caracas described multiple explosions rocking the capital early that morning with smoke rising from military sites like Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota air base.
Elite U.S. Delta Force operatives reportedly led the capture amid a months-long buildup including naval deployments and prior strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
The move culminates Trump’s aggressive campaign against Maduro whom the U.S. has accused of leading a narco-terrorist regime responsible for flooding America with drugs and fueling migration crises.
A $50 million bounty had been placed on Maduro’s head and recent sanctions targeted Venezuelan oil exports.
Venezuela’s government declared a national emergency denouncing the action as imperialist aggression and calling for street mobilizations.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro while allies like Cuba and Iran condemned the strikes.
Kenyan politician Mike Sonko praised Trump on X claiming the bombing occurred while Chinese officials were present sending a strong message to adversaries.
However major outlets like The New York Times, AP and CNN reported no confirmed Chinese involvement.
This bold intervention evokes historical U.S. actions such as the 1989 Panama invasion.
Legal experts question its authorization without congressional approval raising debates over international law.
