Source NDTV world
CARACAS / WASHINGTON — In a stunning escalation of regional tensions, the Venezuelan government has issued an urgent demand for “proof of life” for President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of pre-dawn U.S. airstrikes and a subsequent claim by President Donald Trump that the leader has been captured and removed from the country.
The “Brilliant Operation”
In a series of posts on Truth Social early Saturday morning, President Trump announced that the United States had successfully conducted a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela. He claimed that elite U.S. forces, later identified by officials as members of Delta Force, had apprehended Maduro and the First Lady.
“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,” Trump wrote. He later described the mission in a phone interview as a “brilliant operation” involving “great, great troops.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the capture, stating that Maduro is in U.S. custody and will face trial on long-standing narco-terrorism charges.
Chaos in Caracas
The operation began around 2:00 AM local time on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Residents in Caracas reported at least seven massive explosions that shook the city, followed by the roar of low-flying aircraft. Witnesses described scenes of panic as power outages hit several neighborhoods and smoke was seen rising from the Fuerte Tiuna military complex and La Carlota airport.
The strikes reportedly targeted military installations not only in the capital but also in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Venezuela’s Defiant Response
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state television in a somber audio broadcast, admitting that the whereabouts of the President were unknown.
“We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolás Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores,” Rodríguez stated, labeling the incident a “criminal act of imperialist aggression.”
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López echoed these sentiments, accusing the U.S. of a “barbaric” invasion. He called on the Venezuelan military and civilian population to activate “mobilization plans” to resist what he termed a “deplorable regime change operation.”
Key Developments
The Charges: Maduro has been under a $50 million U.S. bounty since July 2025, accused of leading the “Cartel of the Suns” and flooding the U.S. with cocaine.
Legal Standing: Because the U.S. does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president, officials argue his capture is a law enforcement action rather than a traditional act of war.
International Reaction: Russia and Cuba have condemned the strikes as “armed aggression,” while Colombia has called for an emergency UN meeting to address the potential for regional instability.
The White House has scheduled a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for 11:00 AM today to provide further details on the operation and Maduro’s current location.
