U.S. Launches Military Strikes on Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Captured and Taken to the U.S.

U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Captured | Trump Confirms 2026 Military Operation

In a dramatic and historic move, the United States launched military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, January 3, 2026. President Donald Trump confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country by U.S. forces.

The operation has triggered global shock, political debate, and international condemnation, while many Venezuelans celebrated what they see as the end of a long dictatorship.

What Happened in Venezuela?

• The U.S. military carried out air and ground strikes on key locations in Venezuela, including military bases and ports.
• President Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. special forces and removed from Venezuela.
• According to U.S. officials, the mission was executed by Army Delta Force, an elite special operations unit.
• Maduro is now being taken to New York, where he will face criminal charges in U.S. federal court.

Trump described the operation as a “large-scale strike” and said it was completed with no U.S. deaths.

Why Did the U.S. Take This Action?

The Trump administration has accused Maduro for years of:

• Drug trafficking into the United States
• Narco-terrorism
• Working with criminal groups labeled as terrorist organizations

Maduro was indicted in the U.S. in 2020 on charges including:

• Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
• Using drugs as a weapon against the U.S.
• Possession of illegal weapons

The U.S. government had also offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

According to officials, the military action was meant to enforce an arrest warrant, not start a long war.

How Was the Operation Carried Out?

• A CIA source inside Venezuela’s government helped track Maduro’s location.

The operation involved:

• Satellite and signal intelligence
• Months of military planning

The U.S. had already built up forces in the region, including:

• Aircraft carriers in the Caribbean
• Warships, fighter jets, and special forces aircraft

Key locations reportedly hit:

• Fuerte Tiuna military base (Caracas)
• La Carlota airbase
• La Guaira port

Trump said Maduro was captured from a “highly guarded fortress-like location.”

What Is Happening Now?

• Maduro and his wife are expected to stand trial in New York.
• U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said they will face “the full wrath of American justice.”
• The Trump administration claims no further military action in Venezuela is planned.

Reaction Inside Venezuela

The Venezuelan government:

• Declared a state of emergency
• Deployed the military nationwide
• Accused the U.S. of illegal aggression
• Explosions were reported in Caracas.
• Venezuela’s vice president demanded proof that Maduro is alive.
• Supporters were urged to protest in the streets.

Global Reaction

• Russia and Iran strongly condemned the U.S. strikes.
• The European Union called for restraint and respect for international law.
• Cuba labeled the attack “criminal.”
• The FAA banned U.S. commercial flights over Venezuela due to safety risks.
• Calls were made for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting.

Public Response

• Venezuelans in South Florida celebrated, chanting “Freedom.”
• Miami leaders urged the U.S. government to restore Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.
• Opposition leaders in Venezuela, who have long challenged Maduro’s rule, have mostly stayed silent so far.

A Historic Parallel

Maduro’s capture happened exactly 36 years after the U.S. arrested Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega in 1990—another Latin American leader charged with drug trafficking and brought to the U.S. for trial.

What Happens Next for Venezuela?

• Political uncertainty remains high.
• The military controls much of the country.
• International pressure is growing.
• The future leadership of Venezuela is unclear.

FAQs 

❓ Was Nicolás Maduro really captured?

Yes. President Trump and U.S. officials confirmed Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and flown out of Venezuela.

❓ Why did the U.S. arrest Maduro?

He was indicted in the U.S. for drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and working with criminal organizations.

❓ Where is Maduro now?

According to Trump, Maduro is being transported to New York to face trial.

❓ Is the U.S. at war with Venezuela?

The U.S. says no. Officials claim the strikes were limited to enforcing an arrest warrant.

❓ How has the world reacted?

Many countries condemned the action, while some Venezuelans celebrated Maduro’s removal.