Caracas, January 3, 2026: US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has launched a major military attack on Venezuela. In this operation, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured and taken out of the country.
Nicolás Maduro is the president of Venezuela. He has been in power since 2013. He is the successor of former President Hugo Chávez and supports socialist policies.
Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that the attack was against drug trafficking and terrorism. The US accuses Maduro of narco-terrorism and is preparing to put him on trial in New York.
The attack involved several explosions in Caracas and surrounding areas. Military bases were targeted, including major bases such as Fuerte Tiuna. The Venezuelan government called it an "imperialist attack" and declared a national emergency. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded proof of Maduro's life.
This attack comes after months of tension. The US had called Venezuela a "narco-state" and had already attacked ships. Some experts believe it may be related to oil and resources.
Reactions have come from around the world. Russia, Cuba, and Iran condemned the US. Colombia began preparing for refugees. Some are comparing it to the 1989 invasion of Panama. The situation in Venezuela is calm but uncertain. What will happen next remains to be seen.