By Mohamed Siyad - Reporter
Venezuela, 3 January 2026 - In a shocking development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, have been captured by U.S. forces and flown out of the country.
This operation, described as a “large-scale strike,” was reportedly conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.
Who is Nicolás Maduro?
Nicolás Maduro has led Venezuela for more than 12 years, first serving as vice president under Hugo Chávez and later as foreign minister. During his presidency, he maintained strong ties with countries like China, Russia, and Iran.
However, the United States has accused Maduro of human rights abuses and involvement in drug trafficking. He is currently facing criminal charges in the U.S. and is expected to stand trial following his capture.
Trump Announces Maduro’s Capture
In a statement posted on Trump's Social, President Donald Trump said:
"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás 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 Saturday at 11am U.S. time at Mar-a-Lago."
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Trump described the operation as a major step in holding Maduro accountable, reiterating past accusations that Maduro leads a narco-terror organisation known as the “Cartel de Los Soles.”
Venezuelan Government Responds
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, however, has questioned Maduro’s reported capture, demanding “immediate proof of life” from the U.S. government.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López called for the deployment of military forces across the country, describing the U.S. strike as “the worst aggression” Venezuela has ever faced.
Rodríguez could be announced as Venezuela’s first female president following the reported attack, though details of Maduro’s whereabouts remain unclear.
Global Reactions
The U.S. military move has drawn strong international responses. Russia and China have condemned the attack, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that Maduro is “not the legitimate president” and remains under indictment for trafficking drugs into the United States.
As tensions escalate, Venezuela faces an uncertain future, with the international community closely watching the unfolding situation.
