The United States carried out a “large-scale” military strike on Venezuela early Saturday morning, capturing President Nicolas Maduro.
President Donald Trump confirmed the dictator along with his wife have been flown out of the country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump said. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/nHDqtsqRFh
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 3, 2026
Maduro is in American custody, but at this time the location of Maduro and his wife are unknown. Leaders in Venezuela are demanding “proof of life” of their leader.
Utah Senator Mike Lee said he spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Maduro will stand trial in the United States. Rubio told Lee he doesn’t anticipate any further action in Venezuela with Maduro in U.S. custody.
At least seven explosions could be heard in Venezuela’s capital city of Caracas according to the Associated Press.
Venezuelan officials released a statement on the attacks that read “the civilian and military localities of the city of Caracas, capital of the Republic, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira” were hit in the attack.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised Trump’s actions.
“A new dawn for Venezeula,” Landau said. “The tyrant is gone. He will now, finally, face justice for his crimes.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife face charges including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” Bondi said.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026
The airstrikes in Venezuela come after the United States seized two oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela and deadly strikes on boats that the Trump administration claimed were carrying drugs heading to the United States.
Maduro said Thursday he was ready for talks with the United States to reach an agreement on countering drug trafficking in the region, Fox News reported.
“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” Maduro said.
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President Trump will hold a press conference at 11:00 am at Mar-a-Lago to give more details on the airstrikes and Maduro’s capture.