US President Donald Trump announces plans to prosecute Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following his capture.

US President Trump Announces Maduro Prosecution Plans

A CIA source embedded within the Venezuelan government played a key role in tracking President Nicolás Maduro, aiding the United States in his capture.


C.I.A. Source Inside Venezuelan Government Helped Track Maduro

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US operation in Venezuela, which involved strikes on the capital and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fell under what he called the “Don-roe Doctrine.” Trump stated that Venezuela under Maduro hosted “foreign adversaries in our region and acquiring menacing offensive weapons that could threaten U.S. interests and lives, and they used those weapons last night.”&nbsp;“All of these actions were in gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries, and not anymore,” Trump said, The Hill reported. “All the way back, it dated to the Monroe Doctrine. And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we’ve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the ‘Don-roe Doctrine," he added.<h3>Policy was also meant to deter Russia's expansion</h3>The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere. The policy was further shaped by Monroe’s secretary of state and presidential successor, John Quincy Adams, to discourage European countries from interfering with the affairs of Latin American countries that had declared their independence from countries like Spain and France, according to the State Department.&nbsp;The policy was also meant to deter Russia from expanding into Alaska. Over the past two centuries, successive US administrations have drawn on the Monroe Doctrine to counter foreign influence in Latin America. The National Archives adds that it was cited in 1865 by US diplomats backing Mexican President Benito Juárez in his uprising against French-backed Emperor Maximilian.&nbsp;Later, Former President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the doctrine in order to justify the intervention of the military across Latin America. In addition, some scholars argued that this doctrine prompted US military operations to destabilise left-wing governments not sympathetic to US interests, especially amid the Cold War.

The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US operation in Venezuela, which involved strikes on the capital and the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, fell under what he called the “Don-roe Doctrine.” Trump stated that Venezuela under Maduro hosted “foreign adversaries in our region and acquiring menacing offensive weapons that could threaten U.S. interests and lives, and they used those weapons last night.” “All of these actions were in gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy, dating back more than two centuries, and not anymore,” Trump said, The Hill reported. “All the way back, it dated to the Monroe Doctrine. And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we’ve superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the ‘Don-roe Doctrine," he added. Policy was also meant to deter Russia's expansion The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere. The policy was further shaped by Monroe’s secretary of state and presidential successor, John Quincy Adams, to discourage European countries from interfering with the affairs of Latin American countries that had declared their independence from countries like Spain and France, according to the State Department. The policy was also meant to deter Russia from expanding into Alaska. Over the past two centuries, successive US administrations have drawn on the Monroe Doctrine to counter foreign influence in Latin America. The National Archives adds that it was cited in 1865 by US diplomats backing Mexican President Benito Juárez in his uprising against French-backed Emperor Maximilian. Later, Former President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the doctrine in order to justify the intervention of the military across Latin America. In addition, some scholars argued that this doctrine prompted US military operations to destabilise left-wing governments not sympathetic to US interests, especially amid the Cold War.

The National Archives notes that the original Monroe Doctrine was laid out by Former President James Monroe in a speech to Congress on Dec. 2, 1823, warning European nations against intervening in the Western Hemisphere.

What is ‘Don-roe Doctrine’? Trump sends big message to US rivals after explaining Venezuela strike

Protectionism seems to spill over into 2026.

The White House has blocked a china-linked acquisition of US Semiconductor assets.

President Donald Trump has ordered Hie-Fo to divest assets it acquired from new jersey-based Emcore, citing national security concerns.

Trump Blocks China-linked Chip Deal

The Trump administration outlines the intent behind “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a major US military action targeting Venezuela.

US Strikes Venezuela: Trump Administration's Intent Behind 'Op Absolute Resolve' 

Maduro's government immediately accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations. The Venezuelan government called it an "imperialist attack" and urged citizens to take to the streets.

Maduro Capture: How World Reacted To Venezuelan Leader Maduro's Capture By US Forces

WION BREAKING: First Video Shows Nicolas Maduro in US Custody

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that numerous Cubans were killed when US forces launched an attack on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela and Cuba are long-standing allies, united by communist ideology and jointly affected by US sanctions. For years, Havana has relied heavily on Caracas for fuel supplies and economic assistance.&nbsp;Ahead of the pre-dawn US operation, as Washington deployed forces in the Caribbean, US media reports said Maduro depended largely on Cuban advisers and security personnel. Neither Venezuela nor the United States has disclosed casualty figures from the operation, though Trump said no US personnel were killed.&nbsp;Giving a press conference to talk about the attack, Trump told the New York Post, "You know, many Cubans lost their lives last night. Did you know that?" He added, "Many Cubans lost their lives. They were protecting Maduro. That was not a good move."Meanwhile, Trump did not confirm the number of casualties during the attack. "Cuba was always very reliant on Venezuela. That's where they got their money, and they protected Venezuela, but that didn't work out too well in this case," Trump said.&nbsp;Along said of President Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Havana and said, “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned at least a little bit.” However, Trump stated that he was not planning any military action against Cuba, due to its own economic crisis. "No, Cuba is going to fall of its own volition. Cuba is doing very poorly," Trump said.<h3>At least 40 killed in Venezuela</h3>Meanwhile, a senior Venezuelan official confirmed that at least 40 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed after the US military launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to the New York Times.&nbsp;Maduro was airlifted to New York on Saturday afternoon to face US narcotics charges, just hours after American forces launched what US officials called a rapid and decisive operation in Caracas to oust him from power. &nbsp;

Ahead of the pre-dawn US operation, as Washington deployed forces in the Caribbean, US media reports said Maduro depended largely on Cuban advisers and security personnel. Neither Venezuela nor the United States has disclosed casualty figures from the operation.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that numerous Cubans were killed when US forces launched an attack on Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela and Cuba are long-standing allies, united by communist ideology and jointly affected by US sanctions. For years, Havana has relied heavily on Caracas for fuel supplies and economic assistance. Ahead of the pre-dawn US operation, as Washington deployed forces in the Caribbean, US media reports said Maduro depended largely on Cuban advisers and security personnel. Neither Venezuela nor the United States has disclosed casualty figures from the operation, though Trump said no US personnel were killed. Giving a press conference to talk about the attack, Trump told the New York Post, "You know, many Cubans lost their lives last night. Did you know that?" He added, "Many Cubans lost their lives. They were protecting Maduro. That was not a good move." Meanwhile, Trump did not confirm the number of casualties during the attack. "Cuba was always very reliant on Venezuela. That's where they got their money, and they protected Venezuela, but that didn't work out too well in this case," Trump said. Along said of President Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Havana and said, “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned at least a little bit.” However, Trump stated that he was not planning any military action against Cuba, due to its own economic crisis. "No, Cuba is going to fall of its own volition. Cuba is doing very poorly," Trump said. At least 40 killed in Venezuela Meanwhile, a senior Venezuelan official confirmed that at least 40 people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed after the US military launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to the New York Times. Maduro was airlifted to New York on Saturday afternoon to face US narcotics charges, just hours after American forces launched what US officials called a rapid and decisive operation in Caracas to oust him from power.

Ahead of the pre-dawn US operation, as Washington deployed forces in the Caribbean, US media reports said Maduro depended largely on Cuban advisers and security personnel. Neither Venezuela nor the United States has disclosed casualty figures from the operation.

How many died after the US strike on Venezuela? Here’s what Trump revealed

President Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country" early Saturday morning amid a "large scale strike" by the U.S. 

US Attacks Venezuela | FBI Escorts Maduro & his Wife in New York

President Donald Trump said the U.S. is "going to run" Venezuela until a safe transition of power can take place and the U.S. will have a "partnership" with Venezuela's oil industry.

US Attacks Venezuela: Trump Says Cabinet will Oversee Venezuela, Vows to Tap into 'Oil' 

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured from a highly guarded "fortress", adding that no Americans were killed in the operation. "He was in a fortress," Trump told Fox News in a telephone interview. "You know, that we had nobody killed was amazing," he said, adding that a "couple of guys were hit, but they came back and they're supposed to be in pretty good shape."

How Long Was The US Planning It Strikes on Caracas?

President Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country" early Saturday morning amid a "large scale strike" by the U.S. 


US Attacks Venezuela | US: Maduro Captured & Flown Out of the Country

The United States hit Venezuela with a "large-scale strike" early Saturday and said its president had been captured and flown out of the country after months of intense pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government — an extraordinary nighttime operation announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack.

US Attacks Venezuela: Airstrikes Preceded Rapid Assault on Maduro's Fortified Compound 

"Very tough for her to be the leader."
President  Donald Trump cast doubt on Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s ability to lead the country, saying she does not have the backing or respect needed when asked by reporters about the country's future prospects. 
“I think it’d be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesn’t have the support or the respect within the country,” Trump said. “She’s a very nice woman but she doesn’t have the respect.”
Machado, a prominent opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been viewed by some as a potential transitional leader following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela

US President Casts Doubts on Nobel Laureate's Leadership Prospects

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Delcy Rodriguez as interim president, marking a major political shift in the country. 

WION BREAKING : Delcy Rodriguez Appointed Interim President of Venezuela | Venezuela Crisis 

President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) hailed the US army for successfully conducting military strikes inside Venezuela and the mission to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing it as a spectacular display of American military, one that people haven't seen before. He termed the operation as one of the best displays of US power in American history and added that no country in the world could achieve what the American armed forces achieved yesterday.&nbsp;Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hogsett, Trump said, “At my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela.”&nbsp;Trump Further said not a single American service member was killed, and no equipment was lost, adding that the United States is prepared for a second wave of attack if required "We were prepared for a second wave, but probably it won't be required."<h2>Months of planning&nbsp;</h2>Giving details on the operation, Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the US military operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a nighttime raid in Caracas took “months of planning and rehearsal”, and more than 150 US aircraft were used.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission, an extraction so precise -- it involved more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere," Caine told a joint press conference with President Donald Trump.&nbsp;He disclosed that one of the aircraft got hit during the operation, but was in flying condition to let it return safely, adding that all the forces were over the water by 3.29 AM to return to the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;Caine said the mission drew on decades of experience gained from fighting terrorists in the Middle East, Southwest Asia and Africa. He added that the troops involved combined youthful energy with deep experience, with the youngest service member aged 20 and the oldest 49. The operation involved military strikes followed by an “extraction force” to secure Maduro.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-releases-first-image-of-venezuela-s-nicol-s-maduro-aboard-uss-iwo-jima-1767458670020">Trump releases first image of captured Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima</a>&nbsp;General Dan Caine claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores “gave up” in front of US armed forces without much struggle.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Maduro and his wife, both indicted, gave up and were taken into custody by the Department of Justice, assisted by our incredible US military with professionalism and precision, with no loss of US life," Dan Caine said.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the subject of the US role in Venezuela after Maduro, Trump said that America will run the country until judicious transition "We're going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he added.

A top US general said the US military operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime raid in Caracas took “months of planning and rehearsal” and involved the use of more than 150 US aircraft.

President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) hailed the US army for successfully conducting military strikes inside Venezuela and the mission to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, describing it as a spectacular display of American military, one that people haven't seen before. He termed the operation as one of the best displays of US power in American history and added that no country in the world could achieve what the American armed forces achieved yesterday. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hogsett, Trump said, “At my direction, the United States Armed Forces conducted an extraordinary military operation in the capital of Venezuela.” Trump Further said not a single American service member was killed, and no equipment was lost, adding that the United States is prepared for a second wave of attack if required "We were prepared for a second wave, but probably it won't be required." Months of planning Giving details on the operation, Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the US military operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a nighttime raid in Caracas took “months of planning and rehearsal”, and more than 150 US aircraft were used. "The word integration does not explain the sheer complexity of such a mission, an extraction so precise -- it involved more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere," Caine told a joint press conference with President Donald Trump. He disclosed that one of the aircraft got hit during the operation, but was in flying condition to let it return safely, adding that all the forces were over the water by 3.29 AM to return to the United States. Caine said the mission drew on decades of experience gained from fighting terrorists in the Middle East, Southwest Asia and Africa. He added that the troops involved combined youthful energy with deep experience, with the youngest service member aged 20 and the oldest 49. The operation involved military strikes followed by an “extraction force” to secure Maduro. Also Read: Trump releases first image of captured Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima General Dan Caine claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores “gave up” in front of US armed forces without much struggle. "Maduro and his wife, both indicted, gave up and were taken into custody by the Department of Justice, assisted by our incredible US military with professionalism and precision, with no loss of US life," Dan Caine said. On the subject of the US role in Venezuela after Maduro, Trump said that America will run the country until judicious transition "We're going to run the country until we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," he added.

A top US general said the US military operation to extract Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a nighttime raid in Caracas took “months of planning and rehearsal” and involved the use of more than 150 US aircraft.

‘One of the best displays of US power,’ says Trump; took months of planning and rehearsal, adds Caine

U.S. President Donald Trump holds presser after the United States said it captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and flown them out of the country.

'Like A Television Show': Trump Revels in Maduro Capture

A primary reason for selecting this specific vessel is its medical infrastructure, which is second only to dedicated hospital ships like the USNS Comfort. The Iwo Jima is equipped with six fully functional operating rooms, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and a 600-bed hospital ward.

Nicholas Maduro location revealed! Inside the USS Iwo Jima, warship holding Venezuela's captured President

Protests across Iran have intensified as anger over rising prices, currency collapse and living costs spreads from traders to students and workers. Demonstrations that began over economic hardship are now widening into broader criticism of governance, making this the biggest protest wave since 2022.

Iran Protests Spread to 22 Out of 31 Provinces

US President Donald Trump captured the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. But ahead of being abducted by Trump and his henchmen on early Saturday morning, Maduro's government remained defiant and said the US attack was a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and alleged that the objective of the attack is specifically Venezuela's “strategic reserves”, ie oil and minerals.&nbsp;The Trump administration has always seen the leftist dictator Nicolas Maduro as its enemy due to the ideological polarity, and has been trying to frame a violent campaign of “war on drugs” as the pretext for the legitimisation project of the Venezuelan regime change and resource grab. This has been assisted by another neocolonial entity, the European Union, by awarding an usurper, Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Prize to frame her as a flagbearer of Western democracy. At the same time benefit the oil corporations of the US and Europe. In 2002, Maria Corina Machado tried to usurp Hugo Chavez, using foreign funding, specifically United States and signed away all the democratic institutions in Venezuela in the Carmona Decree. In 2009, Hugo Chavez said in an interview with Larry King that White House wanted him dead, the same thing happened with Salvador Allende, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara; and they bombed in Panama, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, that is the history of the region.&nbsp;<h2>Trump openly claimed he wants Venezuelan oil</h2>Eventhough the US tried to frame it as a “war on drugs”, Trump, on numerous occasions in his unhinged speeches, bragged about his plan to throw away the Venezuelan regime for an oil grab. In 2024, just months ahead of the election, Trump was seen bragging about his typical neo-colonial plunder project. “When I left, Venezuela was ready to collapse. We would have taken it up, and we would've gotten all that oil. It would have been right next door.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">9 months before the 2024 election, Trump said he wanted Venezuela to collapse so he can take them over for oil, and now he&#39;s bombing Caracas on the first full moon of 2026. This was never about drugs. It was always about oil.<a href="https://t.co/se7limfQDi">pic.twitter.com/se7limfQDi</a>&mdash; Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/davenewworld_2/status/2007372939776405800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Venezuela has the world's largest oil reserve with 19.4 per cent, and Iran has the third largest oil reserve in the world with 13.3 per cent of the global oil reserve. So it is no secret why the European Union and the US don't get along with Iran and Venezuela and actively campaign for regime change by cultivating and legitimising an opposition through soft power like the Nobel Prize and then abducting the President of a country when organisation like the United Nations remains a silent spectator waiting as the world descends into anarchy.&nbsp;

Venezuela accuses the US of abducting President Nicolás Maduro to seize oil and mineral reserves, rejecting Trump’s “war on drugs” claim as a pretext.

US President Donald Trump captured the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. But ahead of being abducted by Trump and his henchmen on early Saturday morning, Maduro's government remained defiant and said the US attack was a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter and alleged that the objective of the attack is specifically Venezuela's “strategic reserves”, ie oil and minerals. The Trump administration has always seen the leftist dictator Nicolas Maduro as its enemy due to the ideological polarity, and has been trying to frame a violent campaign of “war on drugs” as the pretext for the legitimisation project of the Venezuelan regime change and resource grab. This has been assisted by another neocolonial entity, the European Union, by awarding an usurper, Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Prize to frame her as a flagbearer of Western democracy. At the same time benefit the oil corporations of the US and Europe. In 2002, Maria Corina Machado tried to usurp Hugo Chavez, using foreign funding, specifically United States and signed away all the democratic institutions in Venezuela in the Carmona Decree. In 2009, Hugo Chavez said in an interview with Larry King that White House wanted him dead, the same thing happened with Salvador Allende, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara; and they bombed in Panama, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, that is the history of the region. Trump openly claimed he wants Venezuelan oil Eventhough the US tried to frame it as a “war on drugs”, Trump, on numerous occasions in his unhinged speeches, bragged about his plan to throw away the Venezuelan regime for an oil grab. In 2024, just months ahead of the election, Trump was seen bragging about his typical neo-colonial plunder project. “When I left, Venezuela was ready to collapse. We would have taken it up, and we would've gotten all that oil. It would have been right next door.”

Venezuela accuses the US of abducting President Nicolás Maduro to seize oil and mineral reserves, rejecting Trump’s “war on drugs” claim as a pretext.

Trump wanted Venezuela to 'collapse' so the US could take control of its oil

Tensions rise in Iran as the country’s Foreign Minister strongly denounces former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of intervention amid ongoing domestic unrest. Iranian officials warn that any external interference could escalate the situation, while protests continue across the country.

Iran Protests: Iran Writes To UNSC After Trump's Threat Of Intervention, Warns US Of Escalation

President Donald Trump says the United States ⁠has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of ⁠the country after “large-scale” strikes.

BREAKING | Caracas in Darkness: Power Outages Reported in Venezuelan Capital

President Donald Trump says the United States ⁠has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and flown them out of ⁠the country after “large-scale” strikes.


Venezuela Under Attack | Trump: US Carried Large-Scale Strikes Against Venezuela 

US President Donald Trump says the US has carried out "large scale strike against Venezuela" and "captured its leader, President Nicolas Maduro" and his wife. Earlier to this, loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) Saturday, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. Join us live to know more on this!

US Strikes Venezuela LIVE: Trump Says US Has 'Captured' Venezuelan President Maduro & His Wife

Multiple explosions, accompanied by loud noises and reports of low-flying aircraft, were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, according to witnesses and media reports. Parts of southern Caracas were also reported to be without electricity following the incident. The cause of the explosions was not immediately known.

WION BREAKING: Caracas Rocked by Blasts Amid US Drug-Smuggling Crackdown | US-Venezuela

Venezuela’s government on Saturday accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in multiple states after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported over the capital, Caracas, around 2 am local time.
Following the strikes, President Nicolás Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency, ordered national defence plans to be implemented and called for 'mass mobilisation'.

Venezuela Under Attack: Maduro Govt Calls for Mobilisation of Population 

Colombian President Gustavo President reacted to reports of explosions in Caracas,  calling for UN to convene immediately. Petro's reaction came as blasts were heard across Caracas and low-flying aircraft were spotted in Caracas' skies. Watch the video for more. 

US-Venezuela Tensions Colombia's President Claims Caracas Being Bombed with Missiles

Venezuela’s government says it rejects ‘military aggression’ by the US, after explosions rock Caracas. 

Venezuela Govt Says It Reserves Right to Exercise Legitimate Defence

Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has slammed the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. Slamming the Trump government, it said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack</a><h2>Venezuelan capital under attack?</h2>Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. &nbsp;&nbsp;In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/loud-blasts-airplanes-heard-in-caracas-blackout-reported-near-key-venezuelan-military-base-trump-carrying-out-land-strike-threat-1767422873376">Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base</a>Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs".<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed</a>&nbsp;

Venezuela has accused the Trump administration of “extremely serious military aggression” after loud explosions rocked Caracas near a military base. Calling it an attack on its sovereignty and resources, Caracas says the strikes follow Trump’s repeated threats of US action.

Venezuela, in its first official statement since loud explosions were heard in the capital Caracas, has slammed the current Donald Trump-led Government of the United States of America for perpetrating what it called “extremely serious military aggression”. Slamming the Trump government, it said that the attack is an apparent attack “to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence”. On Saturday (Jan 3), early in the morning, around 2:00 am (0600 GMT), loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft flyovers were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Also read | 'They have attacked Venezuela': President Gustavo Petro claims Caracas under missile attack Venezuelan capital under attack? Reports suggest that at least seven loud explosions shook the Venezuelan capital, prompting people to run onto the streets. As per a Reuters report, in Southern Caracas, the area near a major military base suffered a blackout. This follows repeated threats from US President Donald Trump that America would carry out ground strikes against Venezuela. In its statement, the South American nation said that, “this act constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, especially Articles I and II, which enshrine respect for sovereignty, the legal equality of States, and the prohibition of the use of force.” The nation said that the aggression “threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean,” and that it “seriously endangers the lives of millions of people”. Also read | Loud blasts heard in Caracas, blackout reported near Venezuelan military base Previously, on Monday (Dec 29) Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela. The US president said that the US attacked the "dock area" linked to alleged drug boats. Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump said the strike caused a "major explosion" at a site he claimed "they load the boats up with drugs". https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Venezuela has accused the Trump administration of “extremely serious military aggression” after loud explosions rocked Caracas near a military base. Calling it an attack on its sovereignty and resources, Caracas says the strikes follow Trump’s repeated threats of US action.

Venezuela confirms 'peacemaker' Trump behind 'military aggression' in Caracas, slams America's 'regime change' attempt

Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) Saturday, an AFP journalist reported.

The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela.


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Amid growing protests in Iran over economic struggles, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi expressed gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for his strong stance against violence directed at demonstrators. Trump had issued a stark warning to the Iranian government, saying that if the authorities continue to target peaceful protesters with deadly force, the US would step in to offer support.&nbsp;The protests in Iran, now entering their sixth day, have been fueled by economic hardship, soaring prices, and the plummeting value of the national currency. At least seven people have lost their lives amid the unrest, according to reports. Trump, in his remarks, warned the Iranian regime against escalating violence, stressing that the United States was "locked and loaded" and prepared to assist the protesters. He also promised to strengthen ties with Iran if the current government, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, falls. "The brave people of Iran who are risking their lives to bring down this regime want a future where the US and Iran can coexist peacefully," Trump said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/close-call-as-buddha-air-plane-skids-off-runway-in-bhadrapur-all-55-passengers-onboard-safe-1767379606288">Close call as Buddha Air plane skids off runway in Bhadrapur, all 55 passengers onboard safe</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope—hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by… <a href="https://t.co/1H12Z77uCE">https://t.co/1H12Z77uCE</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3TyrkJTy6">pic.twitter.com/G3TyrkJTy6</a>&mdash; Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) <a href="https://twitter.com/PahlaviReza/status/2007139691494084909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a post on X, he said, “President Trump, thank you for your strong leadership and support of my compatriots. This warning you have issued to the criminal leaders of the Islamic Republic gives my people greater strength and hope—hope that, at last, a President of the United States is standing firmly by their side. As they risk their lives to end this regime’s 46-year reign of chaos and terror, they send me with a responsibility and a message: to seek the relationship Iran once had with America that brought peace and prosperity to the Middle East. I have the plan for a stable transition for Iran and the support of my people to get it done. With your leadership of the free world, we can leave a legacy of lasting peace.”&nbsp;Reza Pahlavi, in his New Year’s message, had already predicted that the regime’s days were numbered. He described the government as weak and divided, unable to suppress the growing courage of the Iranian people. “The protests indicate that this year will be pivotal for change," Pahlavi said, suggesting that 2023 could be the turning point for a new chapter in Iran's history.

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi thanks Donald Trump for support as protests escalate

Amid growing protests in Iran over economic struggles, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi expressed gratitude towards US President Donald Trump for his strong stance against violence directed at demonstrators. Trump had issued a stark warning to the Iranian government, saying that if the authorities continue to target peaceful protesters with deadly force, the US would step in to offer support. The protests in Iran, now entering their sixth day, have been fueled by economic hardship, soaring prices, and the plummeting value of the national currency. At least seven people have lost their lives amid the unrest, according to reports. Trump, in his remarks, warned the Iranian regime against escalating violence, stressing that the United States was "locked and loaded" and prepared to assist the protesters. He also promised to strengthen ties with Iran if the current government, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, falls. "The brave people of Iran who are risking their lives to bring down this regime want a future where the US and Iran can coexist peacefully," Trump said. Also Read: Close call as Buddha Air plane skids off runway in Bhadrapur, all 55 passengers onboard safe

Reza Pahlavi, Iran's exiled Crown Prince, applauds Donald Trump's support for Iranian protesters, promising US intervention if violence persists, as unrest intensifies

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