Trump: US captures Venezuelan President, flown out after strikes

United States President Donald Trump says Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been captured after the U.S. conducted a ‘large scale strike’ on country.

This comes after Maduro declared a state of emergency early on Saturday, January 3, 2026, accusing the United States of a “very serious military aggression” after multiple explosions and aircraft-like sounds were reported across the capital Caracas.

Trump posted on Truth Social said: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.

“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The U.S. carried out strikes inside Venezuela on Saturday as explosions rocked the capital Caracas following months of threats by Trump against Maduro.

The Venezuelan government said attacks also took place in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, prompting Maduro to declare a national emergency and mobilise defense forces.

Blasts, aircraft and black smoke could be seen across Caracas from about 2 a.m. (0600 GMT) for roughly 90 minutes, according to Reuters witnesses and images circulating on social media.

Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in the South American oil producer, which Maduro has led since 2013.

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The U.S., Venezuela’s opposition, and various other nations say Maduro rigged an election last year to stay in power.

Trump has not publicly detailed his aims but has privately pressured Maduro to flee the nation.

Trump said on Monday it would be “smart” for Maduro to leave power.

The Venezuelan government in its statement said the goal of the attack is for the United States to take possession of the country’s oil and minerals.

It added that the United States “will not succeed” in taking the resources.

The U.S. has made a major military buildup in the region, including an aircraft carrier, warships, and advanced fighter jets stationed in the Caribbean.

Trump has sought a “blockade” of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions against the Maduro government, and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels the U.S. alleges were involved in trafficking drugs in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Last week, Trump said the United States had hit an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs, marking the first known time Washington has carried out land operations in Venezuela since the pressure campaign began.

The Star