Crisis in Caracas: US Strike Leads to Capture of Nicolás Maduro

The geopolitical landscape of South America shifted overnight following a high-stakes American military operation in Venezuela. In the early hours of January 3, 2026, the world woke up to a stunning announcement from Washington: the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

The Operation: What We Know So Far

A series of precisely timed explosions tore through the silence of Caracas early Saturday morning. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as low-flying aircraft and specialized units— reportedly led by elite Delta Force teams—moved against strategic military hangars and presidential strongholds.

• Key Detail: The operation lasted less than 30 minutes.
• Infrastructure: Much of the capital was left without power as the strikes targeted military communication and power grids.
• Aviation: The FAA immediately grounded all US commercial flights in the region, citing “high-risk military activity.”

The Official Word from Washington

President Donald Trump took to social media to confirm the success of the mission, hailing it as a “brilliant operation.” According to the President, both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were secured during the strike and have already been transported out of the country by U.S. law enforcement agencies.

“A lot of good planning and great people went into this,” the President stated, emphasizing that the mission was a joint effort between the military and federal law enforcement.

The Background: Why Now?

While this specific strike caught many by surprise, tensions between the two nations have been at a boiling point for years. Maduro has long been under the shadow of narco-terrorism indictments in the United States. In recent months, Washington had notably increased its naval presence and drone surveillance near Venezuelan waters, signaling that a “final move” was likely on the horizon.

What Happens Next?

As the news ripples through global markets and diplomatic circles, several questions remain:

• Who is in charge? With the executive branch effectively removed, the power vacuum in Caracas is a major concern.
• Legal Proceedings: It is expected that Maduro will face trial in the U.S. for the outstanding criminal charges against him.
• Global Reaction: Russia and China, both traditional allies of the Maduro administration, have yet to release a full response to the American intervention.