Aftermath of U.S. air strikes in Venezuela

Jan 03, 2026 News

Trump confirms Maduro has been captured and flown out of Venezuela during joint US operation lasting under 30 minutes.

Aljazeera – United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces conducted air strikes against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in a swift overnight military operation following months of escalating tensions.

Venezuela’s government on Saturday reported US strikes across three states beyond the capital, Caracas, while Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro released a more extensive list of targeted locations.

Aftermath of US air strikes in Venezuela

A destroyed anti-aircraft unit at La Carlota military airbase, after US President Donald Trump said the US struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. [Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters]

Police patrol in La Guaira, Venezuela after US President Donald Trump announced that President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country. [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]

Destroyed containers lie at La Guaira port after explosions near Caracas, Venezuela. [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]

Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions at La Guaira port, Venezuela. [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]

The military action follows months of conflict with the US, which has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking – allegations the president has consistently denied. Since September, the US has conducted at least 20 air strikes in waters near Venezuela.With Maduro’s exact current location unknown, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez would assume power under Venezuelan law, though no confirmation of this transition has emerged. Rodriguez issued a statement after the attack demanding proof that Maduro and his wife are alive.

The operation lasted under 30 minutes, with at least seven explosions driving people into the streets, while others turned to social media to document the events. Rodriguez confirmed casualties among Venezuelan civilians and military personnel but provided no specific numbers.

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Maduro, Trump, US air strikes, Venezuela

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