US Strikes Venezuela, Capturing President Maduro in Pre-Dawn Raid; World Reacts With Alarm and Condemnation
In a shocking development, the United States has launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela, with President Donald Trump announcing the operation and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This decisive action, the first major US Strikes Venezuela event of its kind, saw Maduro and his wife reportedly flown out of the country. This extraordinary event follows months of intensified U.S. pressure and marks a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuelan relations, signaling a new phase in the US Venezuela conflict.
Caracas Explosions Rock the City During Pre-Dawn US Strikes Venezuela Operation
Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, awoke to significant explosions in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026. Witnesses reported at least seven blasts, with low-flying aircraft seen over the city. Some explosions occurred near Fort Tiuna, the nation’s largest military base. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration quickly banned U.S. commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace. The targeted strikes impacted multiple states beyond the capital, underscoring the scope of the US Strikes Venezuela initiative.
US Strikes Venezuela: Operation Details and Narco-Terrorism Charges
President Trump confirmed the capture on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing the operation as successful. Conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement agencies, elite special forces reportedly executed the mission. Maduro and his wife were allegedly taken from a heavily guarded location. They face U.S. charges for narco-terrorism, a key justification for the US Strikes Venezuela. The State Department had previously offered a $50 million bounty for Maduro’s arrest, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the couple would stand trial in the United States, a significant outcome of the Maduro capture operation.
Venezuelan Government Denounces ‘Imperialist Attack’ Following US Strikes Venezuela
Maduro’s government immediately accused the United States of an “imperialist attack” in response to the US Strikes Venezuela. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the strikes, claiming missiles and rockets from U.S. helicopters hit civilian areas. Venezuela declared a “state of External Commotion,” a national emergency, and the government urged citizens to mobilize and resist the “military aggression.” However, the whereabouts of President Maduro and his wife remained unconfirmed after the Venezuelan president raid. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez publicly stated she lacked knowledge of their location and demanded immediate “proof of life.”
Global Reactions to US Strikes Venezuela: Condemnation and Concern
The international community reacted swiftly to the US Strikes Venezuela. Russia condemned the U.S. action as “armed aggression” and a violation of international law. Iran also denounced the strikes, calling them a “flagrant violation” of Venezuelan sovereignty. Cuba labeled the event a “criminal U.S. attack” and called for an urgent international response. Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the actions and deployed troops to the Venezuelan border. Conversely, Argentinian President Javier Milei celebrated the news as a victory against authoritarianism. The European Union called for restraint and adherence to international law. The fast-moving developments, including the Caracas explosions, are trending worldwide, highlighting the global impact of the US Venezuela conflict.
Escalating Tensions: The Background to US Strikes Venezuela
This intervention followed months of mounting U.S. pressure, including a significant military buildup in the region. The U.S. had also conducted drone strikes targeting alleged drug cartel operations on Venezuelan soil. President Trump had repeatedly threatened direct military action, accusing Maduro of overseeing a “narco-state” and rigging recent elections. Maduro denied these allegations, suggesting the U.S. sought to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela issued a warning, advising American citizens to shelter in place. This unprecedented operation offers an exclusive glimpse into evolving geopolitical strategies surrounding the US Strikes Venezuela, intensifying concerns about a potential Venezuelan leadership vacuum.
Uncharted Territory: Future Implications of US Strikes Venezuela
Venezuela now faces a critical leadership vacuum following the US Strikes Venezuela. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is constitutionally poised to assume presidential duties, but the military’s substantial influence adds complexity. The legal justification for the strike remains a point of contention, as does whether Congress was consulted before the operation. The long-term consequences for regional stability and international relations are profound, especially concerning the possibility of further conflict stemming from the Trump Venezuela strike. The world watches as Venezuela navigates this uncertain period after the US Strikes Venezuela.
