AWC Foreign Affairs Desk
In a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of U.S.–Venezuela tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that American forces conducted a “large-scale strike” inside Venezuela, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early January 3, 2026.
President Trump announced the operation on his social media platform, declaring that “the United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader”, and that Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. He said further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled for later on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over Caracas in the early morning hours, with residents posting videos of bright flashes and smoke rising above the capital. At least seven blasts were heard, and eyewitnesses said the apparent attack lasted less than 30 minutes, though full casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
Venezuela Government Rejects Claims
The Venezuelan government, which immediately declared a national emergency, denounced the strike as an act of “military aggression” and “imperialist attack”, urging citizens to take to the streets in resistance. Caracas officials, including Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, saying their whereabouts were unknown. The government accused the U.S. of violating its sovereignty and targeting both civilian and military installations.
International and Legal Fallout
The strike represents the most direct U.S. military action in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, drawing global attention and mixed reactions. While some U.S. officials and commentators welcomed the removal of Maduro—who has long faced U.S. accusations of narcoterrorism—others raised legal and geopolitical questions about the legitimacy of the operation without apparent congressional approval. Venezuelan allies, including Cuba and others, condemned the assault and called for diplomatic and Security Council action.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reported to have briefed U.S. lawmakers that Maduro could face criminal charges in the United States. Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily banned U.S. commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace, citing ongoing military activity.
Uncertain Political Future
Under Venezuelan law, the vice president would assume presidential powers in the event of Maduro’s absence, although it remains unclear whether that transition has occurred amid the chaos. The situation on the ground continues to unfold, with major implications for regional stability, international law, and U.S.–Latin America relations.
This developing story marks one of the boldest and most controversial foreign policy moves in recent U.S. history, reshaping the geopolitical landscape and triggering debates over military intervention, sovereignty, and accountability on the global stage.
