US forces ‘captures’ Venezuela’s Maduro, wife in overnight Caracas strike

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that American military forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following what he described as a large-scale overnight military operation in Venezuela.

Trump made the claim on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in a post on his official Truth Social account, alleging that the operation targeted key locations in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

According to Trump, Maduro and his wife were seized during the operation and flown out of the country by US forces working alongside American law enforcement agencies.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote.

“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,” he added.

Trump did not provide immediate evidence to support the claim but said further details would be disclosed at the scheduled briefing.

Unconfirmed reports circulating online alleged that Maduro was apprehended in the early hours of Saturday by members of the US Army’s Delta Force during the operation.

According to the reports, the military action began around 2:00 a.m. local time, with residents of Caracas reporting at least seven loud explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft over the city.

Key military installations, including the La Carlota air base and the Fuerte Tiuna military complex, were reportedly struck, allegedly to neutralise Venezuela’s air defence and command capabilities.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation from the Venezuelan government or independent international sources regarding Trump’s claims.