US Captures Maduro in Large-Scale Strike on Venezuela

US Forces Capture Nicolás Maduro in Dramatic Overnight Strike on VenezuelaIn a stunning escalation of tensions, President Donald Trump announced early on January 3, 2026, that the United States had successfully executed a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple was reportedly flown out of the country following the operation, which involved explosions across Caracas and nearby regions.Trump posted on Truth Social: "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."The announcement came hours after residents in Caracas reported at least seven explosions starting around 2 a.m. local time, accompanied by low-flying aircraft, smoke near military sites like La Carlota airport and Fuerte Tiuna, and power outages in southern districts.For comprehensive coverage, see reports from CNN cnn.com , The New York Times live updates nytimes.com , Reuters reuters.com , and AP News apnews.com .Details of the US Strike and Maduro's CaptureThe operation targeted military and strategic locations in Caracas and states including Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Witnesses described blasts shaking buildings, plumes of smoke from key bases, and fires at facilities like Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex.Unnamed US officials told CBS News that elite Delta Force units carried out the capture. Trump described it as a "brilliant operation" in interviews, with a press conference scheduled at Mar-a-Lago.Venezuela's government declared a national state of emergency, condemning the action as "grave military aggression." Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded "proof of life" for Maduro and Flores, stating their whereabouts were unknown.Background: Escalating US Pressure on MaduroThe strike culminates months of intensifying US actions under Trump's counter-narcotics campaign, accusing Maduro's regime of running a "narco-terrorist" state. Recent measures included:Strikes on over 30 alleged drug-smuggling boats. Seizure of oil tankers and a naval blockade. A CIA-led strike on a coastal docking facility in December 2025. Trump had warned of shifting to land-based operations, framing the pressure as combating drug flows while critics allege aims at regime change for oil access.Maduro, in power since 2013, denied involvement in trafficking and accused the US of imperialism.International Reactions to the Maduro CaptureAllies like Cuba and Iran condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty, calling for UN intervention. Opposition figures and some regional leaders welcomed the development, with Argentina's Javier Milei celebrating.Democratic lawmakers criticized potential lack of congressional approval, while global markets reacted with volatility in oil prices.Implications for Venezuela and US Foreign Policy in 2026The capture marks the most direct US intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion. Venezuela mobilized troops, vowing resistance, but the government's response remains chaotic.As details emerge, questions surround Maduro's destination (likely US custody for narco-terrorism charges), civilian impacts, and Venezuela's political future—potentially transitional government or opposition leadership.This event reshapes hemispheric relations, with risks of broader instability. Trump promised more details soon.