Trump Says Maduro Captured and Flown Out of Venezuela After U.S. Strikes — What We Know So Far

A stunning and highly controversial development has shaken global politics early in 2026. **U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces following a “large-scale military strike” on Venezuela and have been flown out of the country, although independent confirmation is still pending. 

The extraordinary announcement, made by Trump on social media, has ignited diplomatic outrage, regional concern, and intense debate over legality, sovereignty, and potential regional fallout. If fully verified, it would represent one of the most dramatic U.S. military interventions in Latin America in decades.

What Trump Claims Happened

According to Trump’s own statement and multiple international news reports:

The United States carried out a large-scale military strike early on January 3, 2026, including explosions in Caracas and other strategic locations across Venezuela. 

In connection with that operation, Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces and flown out of the country. 

Trump wrote that the mission was executed “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement” and promised further details in a press conference. 

The announcement has sent shockwaves across diplomatic and military circles, given the rare scale and boldness of the claim.

Reactions From Venezuela and the Region

Venezuelan officials have denounced the strikes as an act of “military aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that neither Maduro nor his wife had been located following the explosions and demanded “proof of life.” 

Governments across Latin America and beyond reacted swiftly:

Colombia reportedly sent forces to its border with Venezuela amid fears of a refugee crisis and regional instability. 

Nations including Cuba, Russia, and Iran condemned the U.S. action, calling it an assault on sovereignty and international law. 

Some countries welcomed the prospect of removing Maduro but called for a legitimate political process rather than unilateral military action.

Unverified and Ongoing Questions

At the time of reporting:

Independent verification of Maduro’s capture and transfer is not yet confirmed by Venezuelan authorities or global news agencies.

The location where Maduro and Flores are being held — if the capture claim is accurate — has not been disclosed.

The legality of the U.S. military action remains highly contentious, as there’s no widely recognised declaration of war or international approval for such an incursion.

This level of ambiguity has fueled global uncertainty and alarm.

Potential Legal and Political Implications

Removing a sitting head of state by military force raises profound questions:

International law: Sovereignty, use of force, and Geneva Convention implications are at the centre of legal scrutiny.

U.S. domestic law: Questions have emerged over whether Congress authorised the operation.

Regional stability: Latin American nations are bracing for potential humanitarian, economic, and diplomatic repercussions.

Experts say that if true, the operation could redefine geopolitical alignments in the Western Hemisphere.

Broader Context

The United States has long accused Maduro’s government of corruption, drug trafficking, and repression, and tensions between Washington and Caracas have escalated over several years. The reported military action comes amidst months of U.S. pressure, including strikes on suspected drug trafficking infrastructure and political isolation of Maduro’s regime. 

Conclusion: A World Watching Closely

Donald Trump’s claim that Venezuela’s president has been captured and flown out of the country has reshaped the geopolitical conversation. With confirmation still incomplete and reactions pouring in from across the globe, the world now waits for clear evidence, official statements, and updates — all of which could define a new chapter in international relations.