The United States President, Donald J. Trump, announced on Saturday, January 3, 2026, that the successful capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been achieved.
According to President Trump, the operation followed a “large-scale strike” across Venezuelan territory.
The information was disseminated via Truth Social at approximately 4:30 a.m. ET. President Trump stated that the operation was executed “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement” and involved high-precision strikes, with sources familiar with the mission indicating the involvement of elite units, including the U.S.
Details emerging from Caracas reported at least seven major explosions starting around 2:00 a.m. local time.
Footage on social media appeared to show low-flying U.S. military aircraft over the capital and fires at key installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s primary military complex, La Carlota, a strategic military airbase in the heart of the city, and Higuerote, an airport to the east of Caracas.
“It was a brilliant operation,” President Trump later told reporters in a brief phone interview, citing “great, great troops” and months of strategic planning.
In response, the Venezuelan government denounced the move as a “blatant outrage” and “grave military aggression.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would be next in line for power according to the Venezuelan constitution, demanded “proof of life” for both Maduro and the First Lady.
The current whereabouts of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores remain undisclosed, though President Trump confirmed they have been “flown out of the country.”
President Trump is scheduled to provide a full briefing on the operation and the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations during a news conference today at 11:00 A.M. at Mar-a-Lago.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
