U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced what he described as the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a military operation in Caracas.
According to statements attributed to Trump, explosions were reported in Venezuela’s capital late Friday night, January 3, following what was described as a large-scale U.S. military action.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had “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.” He added, “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.”
The announcement immediately drew global attention, as neither Venezuelan authorities nor independent international bodies had, as of press time, publicly confirmed the alleged capture.
However, Venezuela’s government acknowledged that explosions were heard in Caracas, linking them to U.S. military actions.
Reports indicate that the strikes followed months of rising tension between Washington and Caracas.
Moreover, a steady U.S. military buildup had been observed in the Caribbean in recent weeks.
Since early September, U.S. forces had reportedly intensified operations in the region.
These actions included attacks on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
In addition, the campaign expanded in late December with the seizure of oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuelan ports.
Meanwhile, a significant American naval presence has been assembled in the southern Caribbean.
Military assets reportedly deployed include guided missile destroyers, a missile cruiser, and a Marine Corps amphibious ready group aboard Navy landing ships.
Furthermore, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, had been deployed to the region in recent months.
U.S. officials have repeatedly accused the Maduro government of drug trafficking and undermining regional security.
However, Venezuelan authorities have consistently rejected these claims, describing them as excuses for foreign aggression.
The alleged operation marks a major escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
In addition, it raises serious questions about sovereignty, international law, and regional stability.
