<p>Hours after capturing Venezuelan president and his wife Cilia Flores in "large-scale" military strikes on early Saturday (Jan 03), the United States announced drug, terrorism charges against &nbsp;Nicolas Maduro, saying that the couple have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. The US military action comes after months of heightened pressure on the oil-rich country through a series of military strikes on Venezuelan vessels accused of smuggling drugs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. &nbsp;Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote in a post on X.</p><p><br>"They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers," she added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-was-a-brilliant-operation-says-trump-after-us-captures-maduro-and-his-wife-1767440566177"><strong>‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In March 2020, the United States issued formal charges against Nicolás Maduro for the first time. The US Department of Justice, on March 26, 2020, unsealed an indictment in the Southern District of New York charging Maduro and several Venezuelan officials with Narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and corruption-related offences. Washignton also put a bounty of $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction.</p><p><br>Beginning in August 2025, the Trump administration undertook several measures against the ideological rival Nicholas Maduro, including doubling the reward on his head to $50 million and issuing public statements citing Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking and collaboration with criminal organisations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Leading up to the eventual capture of the Venezuelan president, the United States carried out a series of military strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean against Venezuelan vessels that it claims are drug‑smuggling boats tied to Venezuelan cartels since September last year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US military carried out at least 39 attacks killing over 100 people as part of a pressure campaign leading to Saturday's strikes.&nbsp;</p>

Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced multiple charges against Nicolás Maduro and his wife, including alleged involvement in narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns, offences directed against the United States.

Hours after capturing Venezuelan president and his wife Cilia Flores in "large-scale" military strikes on early Saturday (Jan 03), the United States announced drug, terrorism charges against Nicolas Maduro, saying that the couple have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. The US military action comes after months of heightened pressure on the oil-rich country through a series of military strikes on Venezuelan vessels accused of smuggling drugs. "Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States," Attorney General Pamela Bondi wrote in a post on X. "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers," she added. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife In March 2020, the United States issued formal charges against Nicolás Maduro for the first time. The US Department of Justice, on March 26, 2020, unsealed an indictment in the Southern District of New York charging Maduro and several Venezuelan officials with Narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and corruption-related offences. Washignton also put a bounty of $15 million for information leading to Maduro's arrest or conviction. Beginning in August 2025, the Trump administration undertook several measures against the ideological rival Nicholas Maduro, including doubling the reward on his head to $50 million and issuing public statements citing Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking and collaboration with criminal organisations. Leading up to the eventual capture of the Venezuelan president, the United States carried out a series of military strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean against Venezuelan vessels that it claims are drug‑smuggling boats tied to Venezuelan cartels since September last year. The US military carried out at least 39 attacks killing over 100 people as part of a pressure campaign leading to Saturday's strikes.

<p>Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced multiple charges against Nicolás Maduro and his wife, including alleged involvement in narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns, offences directed against the United States.</p>

US announces drug, terrorism charges against Venezuelan President Maduro hours after capture

<p>After the US attack on Venezuelan capital Caracas, Venezuela defense minister Vladimir Padrino has reacted sharply saying, "The free, independent and sovereign Venezuela, rejects with all its strength with its liberation history, the presence of these foreign troops that have left death, pain and destruction in their path."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He said that Venezuela "will release all our capabilities for the integral defence of the nation. To reestablish order, and peace we will activate throughout all the geographical national space along with perfect popular military fusion, we have placed in operational military police through deployment of all the terrestrial, aerial, naval, river and missile armed systems for defence."</p><h2>Trump claims attack on Venezuela</h2><p>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”</p>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. 

After the US attack on Venezuelan capital Caracas, Venezuela defense minister Vladimir Padrino has reacted sharply saying, "The free, independent and sovereign Venezuela, rejects with all its strength with its liberation history, the presence of these foreign troops that have left death, pain and destruction in their path." He said that Venezuela "will release all our capabilities for the integral defence of the nation. To reestablish order, and peace we will activate throughout all the geographical national space along with perfect popular military fusion, we have placed in operational military police through deployment of all the terrestrial, aerial, naval, river and missile armed systems for defence." Trump claims attack on Venezuela Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement. Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”

<p>&nbsp;US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela.&nbsp;</p>

'Will release all capabilities for defence of the nation': Venezuela defense minister

<p>The US military on Saturday (Jan 03) conducted "large-scale" strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in the capital Caracas and flew them out of the country. The United States government has sought Maduro's arrest for years and was accused by a US court of narco-terrorism. Maduro has been on a US bounty since 2020. In 2025, the Trump administration doubled the reward to $50 million for any information leading to Maduro's capture.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, for years, Maduro, with the help of his multi-layered, highly trained and armed personal security detail, successfully thwarted attempts on his life and efforts to capture him, to finally caught by the Delta Force, an elite unit of the US Army, on Saturday.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US President Donald Trump confirmed the capture was made possible by extensive planning and seamless coordination between various wings of the armed forces and Washington's intelligence apparatus. &nbsp;"A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people," he said as quoted by the New York Times.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was protected by a multi-layered, heavily militarised security apparatus, making him one of the most guarded leaders in the world, as he has been at odds with Washington over a decade of ideological conflict and accusations of being involved in narco-terrorism activities inside the United States.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Maduro’s inner security ring was handled by the Presidential Honour Guard (Guardia de Honour Presidencial), an elite unit responsible for his close protection at the Miraflores Palace, official residences and public events. This unit reports directly to the presidency and operates independently of regular police forces.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His protection was supported by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), which conducts counter-intelligence, surveillance, threat monitoring and internal security operations. SEBIN plays a key role in foiling assassination plots and neutralising political threats.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-delta-force-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-venezuela-s-president-1767436593484"><strong>Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) and National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) provided outer-layer security, controlling perimeters, routes, airspace and public venues during Maduro’s movements. Military units routinely escort his motorcades and secure strategic locations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Maduro also relied on Cuban security and intelligence advisers, a relationship that dates back to the Hugo Chávez era. These advisers are believed to assist in intelligence analysis, personal protection protocols and counter-espionage, although Caracas does not officially disclose their role.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After surviving a 2018 drone attack, Maduro significantly tightened security with measures such as electronic counter-drone systems, restricted airspace, frequent route changes and tightly controlled public appearances.</p>

For years, Maduro, with the help of his multi-layered, highly trained, and heavily armed personal security detail, successfully thwarted attempts on his life, including an assassination attempt involving a drone attack in 2018.

The US military on Saturday (Jan 03) conducted "large-scale" strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in the capital Caracas and flew them out of the country. The United States government has sought Maduro's arrest for years and was accused by a US court of narco-terrorism. Maduro has been on a US bounty since 2020. In 2025, the Trump administration doubled the reward to $50 million for any information leading to Maduro's capture. However, for years, Maduro, with the help of his multi-layered, highly trained and armed personal security detail, successfully thwarted attempts on his life and efforts to capture him, to finally caught by the Delta Force, an elite unit of the US Army, on Saturday. The US President Donald Trump confirmed the capture was made possible by extensive planning and seamless coordination between various wings of the armed forces and Washington's intelligence apparatus. "A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people," he said as quoted by the New York Times. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was protected by a multi-layered, heavily militarised security apparatus, making him one of the most guarded leaders in the world, as he has been at odds with Washington over a decade of ideological conflict and accusations of being involved in narco-terrorism activities inside the United States. Maduro’s inner security ring was handled by the Presidential Honour Guard (Guardia de Honour Presidencial), an elite unit responsible for his close protection at the Miraflores Palace, official residences and public events. This unit reports directly to the presidency and operates independently of regular police forces. His protection was supported by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), which conducts counter-intelligence, surveillance, threat monitoring and internal security operations. SEBIN plays a key role in foiling assassination plots and neutralising political threats. Also Read: Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president The Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) and National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) provided outer-layer security, controlling perimeters, routes, airspace and public venues during Maduro’s movements. Military units routinely escort his motorcades and secure strategic locations. Maduro also relied on Cuban security and intelligence advisers, a relationship that dates back to the Hugo Chávez era. These advisers are believed to assist in intelligence analysis, personal protection protocols and counter-espionage, although Caracas does not officially disclose their role. After surviving a 2018 drone attack, Maduro significantly tightened security with measures such as electronic counter-drone systems, restricted airspace, frequent route changes and tightly controlled public appearances.

<p>For years, Maduro, with the help of his multi-layered, highly trained, and heavily armed personal security detail, successfully thwarted attempts on his life, including an assassination attempt involving a drone attack in 2018.</p>

Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture

<p>The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on Venezuela and described it as "US armed aggression" against Venezuela on January 3, 2026. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it is deeply concerned by the development and called for dialogue. It said the pretence of justifying these actions is ill-founded. It urged that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, emphasising that Latin America should remain a zone of peace and Venezuela should be able to determine its internal matters without interference.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own fate without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside, ”read the statement as reported by Russian media outlet RBC. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it will support convening a meeting of the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;</p><p>Iran's Foreign Ministry has also condemned the attack and called it a “blatant violation” of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic rules of international law, particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Charter, which prohibits the use of force,” said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement. It stressed the responsibility of the United Nations to act immediately to halt “illegal US aggression” and ensure accountability for the aggresors.&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier on January 3, there were explosions reported in at least 10 Venezuelan targets, including the parliament building, central Caracas, and El Attillo airport. A mountain military camp in Catia Lamar and the Igrote helicopter base were destroyed. Additionally, power outages occurred in southern Caracas. Following the attack Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency. Soon, US President Donald Trump, in his Truth Social account the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.</p>

Russia and Iran condemn alleged US armed aggression against Venezuela, call for dialogue and an urgent UN Security Council meeting.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on Venezuela and described it as "US armed aggression" against Venezuela on January 3, 2026. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it is deeply concerned by the development and called for dialogue. It said the pretence of justifying these actions is ill-founded. It urged that disputes should be resolved through dialogue, emphasising that Latin America should remain a zone of peace and Venezuela should be able to determine its internal matters without interference. “Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as it declared itself in 2014. And Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own fate without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside, ”read the statement as reported by Russian media outlet RBC. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that it will support convening a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Iran's Foreign Ministry has also condemned the attack and called it a “blatant violation” of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The US military attack on Venezuela constitutes a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the basic rules of international law, particularly Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the Charter, which prohibits the use of force,” said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement. It stressed the responsibility of the United Nations to act immediately to halt “illegal US aggression” and ensure accountability for the aggresors. Earlier on January 3, there were explosions reported in at least 10 Venezuelan targets, including the parliament building, central Caracas, and El Attillo airport. A mountain military camp in Catia Lamar and the Igrote helicopter base were destroyed. Additionally, power outages occurred in southern Caracas. Following the attack Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency. Soon, US President Donald Trump, in his Truth Social account the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

<p>Russia and Iran condemn alleged US armed aggression against Venezuela, call for dialogue and an urgent UN Security Council meeting.</p>

Russia, Iran condemns US military action in Venezuela, calls for UN Security Council meeting

Petro was a member of M-19, the group that stormed the Palace of Justice in 1985 to assist Pablo Escobar in destroying the evidence against him.

<p>Petro was a member of M-19, the group that stormed the Palace of Justice in 1985 to assist Pablo Escobar in destroying the evidence against him.</p>

Helped Pablo Escobar? Colombian President could be next in line for Donald Trump's war on drugs

<p>The Venezuelan government stated that it does not know the whereabouts of President Nicholas Maduro or his wife, Cilia Flores. In an audio announcement played by Venezuelan state TV, Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez demanded proof of life for President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.&nbsp;</p><p>“We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores," said Rodriguez.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇻🇪⚔️🇺🇸‼️Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands proof of life from the United States for Maduro and Cilia Flores after they were captured. <a href="https://t.co/dnOHKHIk4A">pic.twitter.com/dnOHKHIk4A</a></p>&mdash; dana (@dana916) <a href="https://twitter.com/dana916/status/2007394981712167342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The United States have carried out a "large-scale strike" and followed by a ground operation in Caracas, and neighbouring states in Venezuela. The strike was reportedly done in conjunction with the US law enforcement. Trump claimed that the US had captured "Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife" and they were flown out. A press conference is scheduled for 11 am at Mar-a-Lago. The situation is extremely volatile. Just ahead of the capture was reported Venezuela accused the US of "military aggression" and declared a nationwide emergency.&nbsp;</p><p>"Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people," said the Venezuelan government. &nbsp;It accused the US of trying to seize its natural resources and condemned it as an “imperialist attack” invoking Article 51 of the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands proof of life for President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores after the US claims their capture.

The Venezuelan government stated that it does not know the whereabouts of President Nicholas Maduro or his wife, Cilia Flores. In an audio announcement played by Venezuelan state TV, Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez demanded proof of life for President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. “We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores," said Rodriguez.

<p>Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands proof of life for President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores after the US claims their capture.</p>

Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodríguez demands ‘Proof of Life’ for Maduro and Cilia Flores

To fix the illegality, the US is moving to install a Transitional Government immediately. If this new government retroactively "consents" to the US operation (just as Panama did in 1990), the "kidnapping" legally transforms into a "cooperative extradition."

<p>To fix the illegality, the US is moving to install a Transitional Government immediately. If this new government retroactively "consents" to the US operation (just as Panama did in 1990), the "kidnapping" legally transforms into a "cooperative extradition."</p>

'Capture of Nicholas Maduro': Is it legal to kidnap a 'President' of another country like Venezuela?

Under Maduro’s protection, the Sathya Sai organisation flourished in Venezuela, operating freely while other foreign NGOs were expelled. 

<p>Under Maduro’s protection, the Sathya Sai organisation flourished in Venezuela, operating freely while other foreign NGOs were expelled.&nbsp;</p>

'Follower of an Indian Baba': Why Venezuela’s captured dictator Nicholas Maduro worshiped Sathya Sai Baba

<p>The United States have launched an attack on Venezuela at several sites on Saturday, December 3. The Trump administration has officially confirmed the attacks and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Venezuelan President Niocolas Maudro has been called upon by the "people and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world" to mobilise against the US “imperial aggression." These attacks come just as Chinese envoys led by Qui Xiaoqi met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST IN: 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Major explosions seen in Venezuela amid suspected US military strikes. <a href="https://t.co/myzpgi26wm">pic.twitter.com/myzpgi26wm</a></p>&mdash; BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BRICSinfo/status/2007347762518712387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Which sites were attacked?</h2><p>Venezuela claimed that several parts of the country were targeted, specifically the capital, Caracas, and the neighbouring states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.</p>

<p><strong>Fuerte Tiuna (Caracas) - </strong>The city serves as the headquarters of the Ministry of Popular Power for Defence. It is the largest military complex in Venezuela and the headquarters of the armed forces.</p><p><strong>La Carlota</strong> &nbsp;(Caracas) – A military air base in eastern Caracas, called the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase, was reportedly hit by the US Air Force.</p><p><strong>Macay air base (Aragua State)</strong>– According to local sources and social media footage, the bombing focused on the base located in Maracay. A major Venezuelan Air Force installation. Maracay has been considered central to the cradle of Venezuelan aviation.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>La Guaira (La Guira)</strong> – Primarily a port and coastal state, but it hosts naval and air defence installations tied to military logistics.</p><h2>&nbsp;</h2>

The US has confirmed strikes on Venezuela, with Caracas, Aragua and La Guaira among the locations hit, according to Venezuelan claims and local reports.

The United States have launched an attack on Venezuela at several sites on Saturday, December 3. The Trump administration has officially confirmed the attacks and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Venezuelan President Niocolas Maudro has been called upon by the "people and governments of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the world" to mobilise against the US “imperial aggression." These attacks come just as Chinese envoys led by Qui Xiaoqi met with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

<p>The US has confirmed strikes on Venezuela, with Caracas, Aragua and La Guaira among the locations hit, according to Venezuelan claims and local reports.</p>

US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?

To legalise this total mobilisation, the regime has officially signed a decree declaring a "State of External Disturbance" (or "External Commotion") across the entire national territory. 

<p>To legalise this total mobilisation, the regime has officially signed a decree declaring a "State of External Disturbance" (or "External Commotion") across the entire national territory.&nbsp;</p>

'Nicholas Maduro captured': Did Venezuelan army called entire country's population to mobilise for war against US?

<p>Immediately after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital Caracas, Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the capital early Saturday. Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-attacks-venezuela-did-us-warn-beforehand-pics-of-operation-southern-spear-posted-just-hours-back-emerge-amid-caracas-crisis-1767430072300">Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro?</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There is no immediate report of any casualties so far in the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes. For two hours, parts of the Caracas city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely, according to news agency Associated Press.</p><h2>Trump claims attack on Venezuela</h2><p>Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”</p>

Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.

Immediately after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital Caracas, Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace. At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the capital early Saturday. Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to. READ MORE: Hour old photos of Operation Southern Spear resurface as US attacks Venezuela. Was the X post a veiled threat to Maduro? There is no immediate report of any casualties so far in the attack that lasted for about 30 minutes. For two hours, parts of the Caracas city remained without power, but vehicles moved freely, according to news agency Associated Press. Trump claims attack on Venezuela Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) confirmed that the United States carried out “large scale” strikes against Venezuela. He also said that he has “captured” the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flown out of the country. He added that the operation was done in “conjunction” with the US law enforcement. Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,”

<p>Explosions in Caracas forced people to look for shelter on the streets, while several took to social media to share videos and talk about the blasts they had been a witness to.</p>

FAA bans US commercial flights from Venezuelan air space due to ongoing 'military activity'

The capture was preceded by a massive, precise military strike on the capital. Verified reports confirm at least seven major explosions rocked Caracas early this morning, specifically targeting the La Carlota Airbase and Fuerte Tiuna (the military base where Maduro is known to reside). 

<p>The capture was preceded by a massive, precise military strike on the capital. Verified reports confirm at least seven major explosions rocked Caracas early this morning, specifically targeting the La Carlota Airbase and Fuerte Tiuna (the military base where Maduro is known to reside).&nbsp;</p>

Venezuela's President KIDNAPPED? Donald Trump says Nicolás Maduro captured and flown out of the country

<p>Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.</p><p>“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said.</p><p>While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.</p><p>According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, 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.</p><p>The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting 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”.</p><p>While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.</p>

This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency on Saturday (Jan 3) following what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital. This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela. “Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,” Maduro’s government said. While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack. According to reports, at least seven explosions were heard in Caracas, 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. The attack comes in the wake of threats made by US President Donald Trump, who warned of land strikes against Venezuela in recent weeks. Earlier on Monday (Dec 29), Trump confirmed that Washington had carried out the first land strikes on Venezuela, targeting 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”. While the White House and Pentagon have not confirmed US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported, citing anonymous Trump administration officials, that the US was behind the attack.

<p>This comes after multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2 am.</p>

Maduro declares ‘state of emergency’ after US strikes in Venezuela’s Caracas

<p>Massive explosions were seen in Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3) in what the Venezuelan government described as an “attack” by the US. Visuals showed smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital as loud blasts struck the region around 2 am. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency after what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.</p>

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<p>While the White House and Pentagon has not confirmed the US involvement in the strikes, CBS News and Fox News reported citing anonymous Trump administration officials confirming that US was behind the attack.</p>

Venezuelan Prime Minister Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency following the attack.

Massive explosions were seen in Caracas on early Saturday (Jan 3) in what the Venezuelan government described as an “attack” by the US. Visuals showed smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital as loud blasts struck the region around 2 am. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro declared a state of emergency after what his government described as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the US on its capital around 2 am. Meanwhile, American media reported that the US was conducting military strikes against Venezuela.

<p>Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency following the attack.</p>

VIDEO | Massive explosions rock Venezuela’s Caracas in US ‘attack’