United States President Donald Trump has claimed that American military forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following what he described as a large-scale overnight operation in Venezuela.
Trump made the claim on Saturday, January 3, 2026, via a post on his official Truth Social account, alleging that the operation targeted Caracas and key military installations across the capital.
According to the US president, Maduro and his wife were seized during the operation and flown out of the country by American forces working alongside US law enforcement agencies.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote.
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a news conference today at 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago,” he added.
Trump did not provide immediate proof to substantiate the claim.
Unverified reports circulating online alleged that Maduro was apprehended in the early hours of Saturday by members of the US Army’s elite Delta Force.
According to the reports, the military operation began around 2:00 a.m. local time. Residents of Caracas reported hearing multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft sweeping through the city.
Key military sites, including the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, were reportedly targeted in the operation, allegedly to weaken Venezuela’s defence and command infrastructure.
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