Trump says US has 'captured' Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife in 'large scale strike'

Trump says US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife in ‘large scale strike’

Jan 03, 2026 News

Helicopters fly past plumes of smoke rising from explosions, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 3, 2026 in this screen grab obtained from video obtained by Reuters. Video Obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS

(BBC News) President Donald Trump says the US has carried out a “large scale strike against Venezuela” and “captured its leader, President Nicolas Maduro” and his wife.

Here’s the statement from Truth Social in full:

“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.

“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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Details of Maduro’s capture remain thin

The US has long accused Nicolás Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking organisation, something that Maduro denies.

Trump did not give more detail about how Maduro was captured or where he has been taken.

The Venezuelan government have not yet confirmed this.

The US had offered a $50m reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro.

That, along with the huge military build-up in the region over the last few months, were interpreted in the region as encouragement for someone inside the country to turn against him.

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