Archive · 4 Jan 2026
US Captures Maduro in Venezuela Strikes
President Donald Trump announced that the US carried out military strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The strikes happened in Caracas and other areas, causing explosions and fear among residents.
The US accused Maduro of drug trafficking and rigging elections.
The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and mobilized troops.
The US has not confirmed the legal basis for the strikes, and many countries oppose the US action.
Residents expressed shock and worry about the situation.
Maduro is expected to stand trial in the US for criminal charges.
The US views Maduro's government as illegitimate, while Venezuela and its allies condemn the US actions as acts of aggression.
US President Donald Trump announced strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The strikes occurred in Caracas and other areas, causing explosions and a national emergency declaration in Venezuela.
The US accused Maduro of narco-trafficking and rigging elections, offering a $50 million reward for his capture.
The capture was carried out by the US Army's Delta Force, with Maduro expected to stand trial in the US.
The Venezuelan government and allies like Russia, Cuba, and Iran condemned the strikes, while the US opposition had no official comment.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
- What
- US strikes in Venezuela and capture of Maduro
- When
- January 3, 2026
- Where
- Caracas, Venezuela
- Why
- US accusations of narco-trafficking and election rigging, and to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack
US Government
Venezuelan Government and Allies
Legitimacy of Maduro's Government
US Government
The US views Maduro's government as illegitimate, accusing him of narco-trafficking and election rigging.
Venezuelan Government and Allies
The Venezuelan government and its allies, including Russia and Cuba, maintain that Maduro is the legitimate leader and that the US actions are acts of aggression.
US Military Action
US Government
The US justifies the strikes and capture as necessary to combat narco-terrorism and protect US interests.
Venezuelan Government and Allies
Venezuela and its allies condemn the US actions as violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.
- Event
- US strikes in Venezuela and capture of President Nicolas Maduro
- Date
- January 3, 2026
- Location
- Caracas, Venezuela
- US Force Involved
- Delta Force
- US Legal Basis
- Unclear, potentially under Article II of the US Constitution
- US Accusations
- Narco-trafficking and election rigging
- Venezuelan Response
- National emergency declared, troops mobilized, demanded proof of life for Maduro
- Reward for Capture
- $50 million
- Maduro's Fate
- To stand trial on criminal charges in the US
Sources
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