US Military Captures Venezuelan President Maduro in Dramatic Operation Amid Explosive Caracas Strikes – 1/3/2026, 12:25:02 PM

US military strikes Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a large-scale operation early on January 3, 2026. Explosions rocked Caracas around 2:00 AM local time, with at least seven blasts near La Carlota Airport, low-flying aircraft, smoke rising, and power outages in southern neighborhoods, prompting residents to flee in panic.[1][2]

President Donald Trump announced the “successful” strikes on Truth Social around 4:30 AM ET, stating Maduro was flown out to face justice; he scheduled a news conference for 11:00 AM ET.[2] Venezuelan officials labeled it an “imperialist attack” on civilian and military sites, urging street protests.[2] Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned it as a US “act of armed aggression.”[2]

US officials reacted positively: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called it “a new dawn for Venezuela,” while the US Embassy in Bogota warned citizens to shelter in place and avoid travel.[2] No immediate casualty reports were confirmed, and the attack lasted under 30 minutes.[2]

Other US domestic developments include Trump ending National Guard deployments in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, announced on Truth Social with a warning of potential stronger returns if crime rises; troops had already left LA.[3] Separate reports mention a foiled jihad attack plot, a prosecutor’s push to detain suspect Sturdivan (facing up to 20 years), and ongoing federal probes into unemployment insurance, SNAP benefits, and January 6-related matters by special counsel Jack Smith.[3]

No additional global events beyond the Venezuela crisis were detailed in available reports as of this timestamp.