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US President Donald Trump has announced the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife following a large-scale military strike.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global political landscape, United States President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, January 3, 2026, that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured and flown out of Venezuela.  

The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social account, where he revealed that the U.S. military successfully executed a "large-scale strike" against the South American nation. 

The operation, described as a joint effort with U.S. Law Enforcement, reportedly took place in the early hours of Saturday morning amidst explosions in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.  

According to President Trump, the operation marks a definitive end to Maduro’s controversial 13-year rule. 

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader," Trump posted, adding that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the country."  

The strike targeted several key military and government installations. Witnesses in Caracas reported at least seven major explosions and low-flying aircraft over the city around 2:00 AM local time. 

The Venezuelan government, led by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, initially declared a national emergency and demanded "proof of life" for the captured leader.  

The capture follows a long-standing legal battle between Washington and Caracas. In August 2025, the U.S. Department of State doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million, the highest bounty ever offered under the Narcotics Rewards Program.  

The U.S. has long accused Maduro of leading the "Cartel of the Suns," an organization allegedly involved in flooding American streets with fentanyl-laced cocaine. These charges stem from a 2020 indictment issued during Trump’s first term in office.  

What Happens Next?

With Maduro reportedly in U.S. custody, the political future of Venezuela remains uncertain.

• News Conference: President Trump has scheduled a press briefing at 11:00 AM EST today at his Mar-a-Lago residence to provide further details.  

Global Reaction: Russia has already condemned the military action, calling it an "act of armed aggression," while allies like Argentina's Javier Milei have hailed the development.  

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already issued a ban on all commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace as military activity continues.