politics
January 3, 2026
Venezuela attack: what we know so far as US captures President Maduro
Donald Trump says US is ‘going to run’ Venezuela and confirms that Nicolás Maduro and wife Cilia Flores have been flown out of country
TL;DR
- Donald Trump stated that Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were captured by US forces and are being taken to New York.
- Trump announced the US will be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela's oil industry after the military operation.
- A photograph of Maduro, appearing to be in handcuffs, was posted by Trump on Truth Social.
- The US Department of Justice released a new indictment against Nicolás Maduro, his wife, son, and others.
- US Vice President JD Vance hailed the operation, stating that drug trafficking must stop and stolen oil must be returned to the US.
- UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed deep alarm, calling the intervention a "dangerous precedent."
- Venezuela's government urged citizens to rise up against the "imperialist aggression" and accused the US of attacking civilian and military targets.
- Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas, with Venezuela confirming attacks on the capital and three other states.
- Venezuela accused the US of trying to "seize control" of its resources and called on the international community to denounce the violation of international law.
- Colombia's president called for an emergency UN security council session, while the UK and France stated they were not involved and condemned the violation of international law.
- Russia demanded clarification, and Venezuela's vice president requested "proof of life" for Maduro and his wife.
- Venezuela's allies Russia, Cuba, and Iran condemned the strikes, while Argentina lauded Venezuela's "freedom," Mexico condemned the intervention, and Brazil stated it crossed an "unacceptable line."
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