Breaking: US Captures Venezuelan Leader Nicolás Maduro and His Wife in Dramatic Military Operation In a stunning overnight operation on January 3, 2026, the United States launched large-scale airstrikes on military targets in Venezuela, including sites in Caracas and surrounding areas. President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—widely regarded as illegitimate following disputed elections—and his wife, Cilia Flores. The couple was extracted from their residence and flown out of the country aboard a U.S. naval vessel, reportedly en route to New York to face long-standing federal charges related to narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and related conspiracies. Trump described the operation as a “brilliant” success, praising the professionalism of U.S. special forces (reportedly including Delta Force). He stated that the U.S. will temporarily “run” Venezuela to ensure stability and facilitate a “safe, proper, and judicious transition” of power, while expressing interest in partnering with American companies to develop Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The strikes caused explosions and fires at key military installations, such as Fuerte Tiuna, with reports of low-flying aircraft over Caracas. No immediate U.S. casualties were reported, though Venezuelan forces reportedly fired on incoming helicopters. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro and Flores face indictments in the Southern District of New York, building on prior accusations of leading a “narco-state.” International reactions have been mixed: condemnation from leaders in Brazil, Mexico, and others over sovereignty violations, alongside cautious monitoring from the EU and some support from Venezuelan opposition figures. This marks the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America in decades, ending Maduro’s rule amid ongoing accusations of electoral fraud, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking.

Stay tuned as the situation develops rapidly.

Excerpts from reporting by Local 10 WPLG in South Florida captured the unbelievable joy and enthusiasm across the United States. Florida is estimated to be home for roughly half of all Venezuelan immigrants in the United States, many of whom left Venezuela by necessity, not by choice. Let’s not forget that Venezuela was once a vibrant, economically thriving country and many Venezuelans gave up everything to escape the government that became a de-facto dictatorship. Watch more from Local 10 News at: https://www.local10.com

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