National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) has warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to “watch his ass” after the US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This comes after Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticised Washington’s actions, describing the Trump administration's operation as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America. He expressed his concern and said that could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Petro also said that his government has deployed security forces to the Colombia–Venezuela border in preparation for what he warned could be a “massive influx of refugees” from neighbouring Venezuela.&nbsp;“He's making cocaine and they're sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his ass,” Trump said at a press conference. He also said Colombia would push for international action, calling on the United Nations Security Council to address what he described as “the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-exercise-extreme-caution-india-breaks-silence-after-us-captures-venezuela-president-nicolas-maduro-1767491349809">'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro</a><h2>US Attacks Venezuela</h2>In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casualties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-strikes-venezuela-live-updates-donald-trump-attacks-venezuela-nicolas-maduro-drug-war-venezuela-oil-epstein-files-op-absolute-resolve-1767495310702">US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates</a>&nbsp;Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile on Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York and the Trump administration has released his first video as he is being escorted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers inside the agency's headquarters. From the DEA office, Maduro will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal facility in Brooklyn, according to US media.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-releases-1st-video-of-venezuela-s-nicolas-maduro-in-new-york-what-happens-now-watch-1767496965752">US releases first video of handcuffed Nicolas Maduro in New York: What will happen to Venezuela's ex-president now</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Perp walked.<a href="https://t.co/34iIsFUDdG">pic.twitter.com/34iIsFUDdG</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007631142200189289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump warned Colombia’s president after US forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, triggering sharp regional tensions. Colombia condemned the action as a sovereignty violation, deployed troops to the border fearing refugee inflows

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) has warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to “watch his ass” after the US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. This comes after Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticised Washington’s actions, describing the Trump administration's operation as an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America. He expressed his concern and said that could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Petro also said that his government has deployed security forces to the Colombia–Venezuela border in preparation for what he warned could be a “massive influx of refugees” from neighbouring Venezuela. “He's making cocaine and they're sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his ass,” Trump said at a press conference. He also said Colombia would push for international action, calling on the United Nations Security Council to address what he described as “the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America.” Also Read: 'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro US Attacks Venezuela In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York. The first explosions were heard in the capital Caracas and surrounding areas shortly before 2:00 am (0600 GMT), continuing until around 3:15 am. The action was termed as "Operation Absolute Resolve." Though real figures for the casualties in the airstrike by the US is not known, Trump, speaking on Fox News program "Fox and Friends," boasted that no US soldiers had been killed. He later told the New York Post that "many Cubans" who were protecting Maduro had died, the first indication of casualties from the US strikes. US strikes Venezuela LIVE updates Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.” Meanwhile on Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has arrived in New York and the Trump administration has released his first video as he is being escorted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officers inside the agency's headquarters. From the DEA office, Maduro will be taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal facility in Brooklyn, according to US media. Also Read: US releases first video of handcuffed Nicolas Maduro in New York: What will happen to Venezuela's ex-president now

Donald Trump warned Colombia’s president after US forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, triggering sharp regional tensions. Colombia condemned the action as a sovereignty violation, deployed troops to the border fearing refugee inflows

'He's making cocaine...': Trump warns Colombia President Petro after capturing Maduro, tells him to 'watch his a**' | Is he next?

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

North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, prompting heightened monitoring by South Korea, the US and Japan. The launch comes amid US military action in Venezuela 

North Korea sends tough message to US after Venezuela attack, fires multiple ballistic missiles

In its first statement after the United States bombed Venezuela and captured its President Nicholas Maduro, India has advised its citizens to avoid all “non-essential travel” to the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), late on Saturday (Jan 3), issued the advisory and urged citizens in the country to maintain “extreme caution." Indians in Venezuela have also been advised to restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas. New Delhi has not yet commented on the evolving situation, beyond the advisory for citizens. In the MEA note, it also provided emergency phone number for its citizens in Venezuela to contact.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venezuela-president-captured-us-forces-dragged-maduro-and-his-wife-cilia-flores-from-their-bedroom-during-the-operation-1767455345070">Venezuela President captured: US forces dragged Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom during the operation</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Advisory for Venezuela ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/vz4hBkOhVx">https://t.co/vz4hBkOhVx</a> <a href="https://t.co/hzJsL3WQBL">pic.twitter.com/hzJsL3WQBL</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2007501161377714198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-run-venezuela-till-safe-proper-transition-us-firms-will-invest-make-money-for-it-trump-1767466598390">‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition, US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump</a><h2>US attacks Venezuela</h2>In a quick and precise military operation, the US, on Saturday (Jan 3), captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, in what it described as its war against drug cartels and drug lords. culminating a months-long pressure campaign by President Donald Trump's administration that drew condemnation from some international leaders. US forces bombed Venezuela, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom and have brought them to New York.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-be-strongly-involved-in-venezuela-oil-industry-trump-says-after-maduro-s-capture-1767456938870">US will be ‘strongly involved’ in Venezuela oil industry, Trump says after Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” Trump also said that “very large United States oil companies” would move into Venezuela to “fix the badly broken… oil infrastructure and start making money for the country”. He added that his administration’s actions “will make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe.” The international community condemned Trump's actions, with China calling out America's “hegemonic behavior” and Russia terming the operation "act of armed aggression".

After US forces bombed Venezuela and detained President Nicolas Maduro, India issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and exercise extreme caution. The US said the operation targets drug cartels, drawing strong criticism from China and Russia.

In its first statement after the United States bombed Venezuela and captured its President Nicholas Maduro, India has advised its citizens to avoid all “non-essential travel” to the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), late on Saturday (Jan 3), issued the advisory and urged citizens in the country to maintain “extreme caution." Indians in Venezuela have also been advised to restrict their movements, and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Caracas. New Delhi has not yet commented on the evolving situation, beyond the advisory for citizens. In the MEA note, it also provided emergency phone number for its citizens in Venezuela to contact. Also Read: Venezuela President captured: US forces dragged Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from their bedroom during the operation

After US forces bombed Venezuela and detained President Nicolas Maduro, India issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel and exercise extreme caution. The US said the operation targets drug cartels, drawing strong criticism from China and Russia.

'Exercise extreme caution': India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the US military action in Venezuela while blaming President Nicolás Maduro, who he said was given chances, but “he effed around, and he found out”. In his address on Saturday, Hegseth said that the US military raid in Venezuela was “flawlessly executed” as he praised Donald Trump’s leadership and extolled the efforts of the military and law enforcement. &nbsp;Hegseth said Trump is “deadly serious” about stopping the flow of drugs, gangs, and violence.&nbsp;“Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn’t, and until he didn’t. He effed around, and he found out,” Hegseth said, adding, “Welcome to 2026, and under President Trump, America is back.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a>: &quot;Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance — until they didn&#39;t and until he didn&#39;t. He F&#39;d around and he found out.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/q1IsLQcG5k">pic.twitter.com/q1IsLQcG5k</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007499383399743495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-run-venezuela-till-safe-proper-transition-us-firms-will-invest-make-money-for-it-trump-1767466598390">‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Don’t play games with this president in office’</h2>&nbsp;Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was with Trump and Hegseth, also told reporters that Maduro “had multiple opportunities to avoid this.”&nbsp;“He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man,” Rubio said. “Chose instead to play around, and the result is what we saw tonight. The other message here is the following, you have a guy, like many people around the world, they like to play games.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-fulfilled-its-promise-says-exiled-oppn-leader-maria-corina-machado-on-maduro-s-capture-1767457216107">‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;“But the president doesn’t go out looking for people to pick fights with. He generally wants to get along with everybody,” Rubio continued. “We’ll talk and meet with anybody. But don’t play games. Don’t play games with this president in office, because it’s not going to turn out well.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a><h2>‘They now call it the Don-roe Doctrine’</h2>&nbsp;In his address, Donald Trump emphasised the Monroe Doctrine, the policy set by former President James Monroe that blocked foreign countries from interfering with the Western Hemisphere. Trump said that his administration “superseded it by a lot, by a real lot” and quipped “they now call it the Don-roe Doctrine.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was with Trump and Hegseth, also told reporters that Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this. He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man, Rubio said.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth justified the US military action in Venezuela while blaming President Nicolás Maduro, who he said was given chances, but “he effed around, and he found out”. In his address on Saturday, Hegseth said that the US military raid in Venezuela was “flawlessly executed” as he praised Donald Trump’s leadership and extolled the efforts of the military and law enforcement. Hegseth said Trump is “deadly serious” about stopping the flow of drugs, gangs, and violence. “Nicolás Maduro had his chance, just like Iran had their chance until they didn’t, and until he didn’t. He effed around, and he found out,” Hegseth said, adding, “Welcome to 2026, and under President Trump, America is back.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was with Trump and Hegseth, also told reporters that Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this. He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man, Rubio said.

‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth

The United States is “going to run the country,” President Donald Trump said when asked who would run Venezuela after the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro in a US military action on Saturday. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” he said. “So, we don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in and the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.” “We’re there now,” he added. “So, we’re going to stay until such time as we’re going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re going to make sure it&#39;s run properly. We&#39;re going to rebuild the oil infrastructure... We&#39;re going to make sure the people that were forced out of Venezuela by this thug are also taken care of.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/NB6J9UJdhr">pic.twitter.com/NB6J9UJdhr</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2007502600757805259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-fulfilled-its-promise-says-exiled-oppn-leader-maria-corina-machado-on-maduro-s-capture-1767457216107">‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture</a><h2>Can’t take a chance: Trump on Venezuela leadership change</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, in an interview with Fox News, President Trump said the US is now deciding the next steps to be taken in Venezuela’s leadership change after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Signalling an active US role, Trump told Fox News, “Well, we’re making that decision now. We can’t take a chance of letting somebody else run it and just take over what he left off, so we’re making that decision now. We’ll be involved in it very much.”&nbsp;<h2>‘We’re not afraid of boots on the ground’</h2>&nbsp;On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, Trump said, “We’re not afraid of boots on the ground” and the “US military had boots on the ground last night at a very high level”.“We’re going to make sure that country is run properly,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;On being asked what exact mechanism he will be using to run the country, Trump said, “We’re designating people right now” and “we’re going to let you know who those people are”.He then gestured his hand towards himself and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and said, “It’s largely going to be for a period time the people that are standing right behind me.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-venezuela-s-heavily-guarded-president-evaded-attacks-until-his-capture-1767440422870">Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture</a><h2>US companies will enter Venezuela, make money for it, says Trump</h2>&nbsp;Donald Trump said in the news conference that the US companies will enter Venezuela, spend billions and start “making money for the country.” Trump added that the South American country’s oil business has been a “bust”.The “partnership” will make the people “rich, independent and safe,” Trump said.The US is “ready” to stage a second “and much larger” attack on the country if needed, he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-delta-force-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-venezuela-s-president-1767436593484">Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president</a>&nbsp;Replying to a question as to how running a country in South America was consistent with his “America first” policy, Teump said, “Well, I think it is, because we want to surround ourselves with good neighbors. We want to surround ourselves with stability…with energy. We have tremendous energy in that country. It’s very important that we protect it.”“We need that for ourselves, we need that for the world and we want to make sure we can protect it,” he said.

On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, President Donald Trump said his administration is not afraid of having its boots on the ground and the US military had its boots on the ground on Saturday.

The United States is “going to run the country,” President Donald Trump said when asked who would run Venezuela after the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro in a US military action on Saturday. “We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition,” he said. “So, we don’t want to be involved with having somebody else get in and the same situation that we had for the last long period of years.” “We’re there now,” he added. “So, we’re going to stay until such time as we’re going to run it essentially until such time as a proper transition can take place.”

On being asked if the US running Venezuela means US troops will be on the ground, President Donald Trump said his administration is not afraid of having its boots on the ground and the US military had its boots on the ground on Saturday.

‘We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest, make money for it’: Trump

The United States will take control of Venezuela until a political transition is secured, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, hours after confirming the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The remarks followed an overnight US military operation in which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were 'captured and flown out of the country' during what he described as ‘large-scale’ strikes. As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, “I’m not thrilled with Putin". &nbsp;<h2>How Russia reacted to the strikes&nbsp;</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Hardly anyone expected 2026 to usher in calm, and within its first three days, those expectations collapsed. Trump also accused Maduro of being a ‘dictator’ and a ‘drug kingpin’ and also claimed that Venezuela’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, had been sworn in as the country’s new president and would cooperate with the United States. “We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind,” he added. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned what it called an 'act of armed aggression against Venezuela' by the United States, calling any ‘excuses’ given to justify such actions ‘untenable’. In the statement it added, "Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.”&nbsp;<h2>Trump's remarks on Putin</h2> While the press conference was centered on Venezuela, it ended with an unexpected pivot to Russia and the war in Ukraine. When asked about his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Maduro had not come up in their discussion. However, he used the moment to voice blunt frustration with Moscow. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. “He’s killing too many people.” He described the war in Ukraine as a ‘bloodbath’ and said progress was being made towards peace, without providing specifics.&nbsp;Flanked by senior Cabinet officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump repeated his long-held claim that the conflict ‘should have never happened’ and insisted it would not have begun had he been president at the time. “I’m not happy about the number of people killed,” he added, saying both sides had ‘done some bad things’.

As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, ‘I’m not thrilled with Putin.’

The United States will take control of Venezuela until a political transition is secured, President Donald Trump said on Saturday, hours after confirming the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The remarks followed an overnight US military operation in which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were 'captured and flown out of the country' during what he described as ‘large-scale’ strikes. As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, “I’m not thrilled with Putin". How Russia reacted to the strikes Hardly anyone expected 2026 to usher in calm, and within its first three days, those expectations collapsed. Trump also accused Maduro of being a ‘dictator’ and a ‘drug kingpin’ and also claimed that Venezuela’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, had been sworn in as the country’s new president and would cooperate with the United States. “We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind,” he added. Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned what it called an 'act of armed aggression against Venezuela' by the United States, calling any ‘excuses’ given to justify such actions ‘untenable’. In the statement it added, "Venezuela must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, interference from outside.” Trump's remarks on Putin While the press conference was centered on Venezuela, it ended with an unexpected pivot to Russia and the war in Ukraine. When asked about his recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said Maduro had not come up in their discussion. However, he used the moment to voice blunt frustration with Moscow. “I’m not thrilled with Putin,” Trump said. “He’s killing too many people.” He described the war in Ukraine as a ‘bloodbath’ and said progress was being made towards peace, without providing specifics. Flanked by senior Cabinet officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump repeated his long-held claim that the conflict ‘should have never happened’ and insisted it would not have begun had he been president at the time. “I’m not happy about the number of people killed,” he added, saying both sides had ‘done some bad things’.

As the press conference drew to a close, however, attention shifted beyond Caracas when Trump added an unscripted remark on Russia, saying, ‘I’m not thrilled with Putin.’

‘I’m not thrilled with Putin’: Trump ends Venezuela briefing with blunt remark on Russian President

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

Donald Trump shared the first photo of captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima on his Truth Social platform after his capture by the US armed forces during a massive midnight operation in Caracas and several other parts of the country. The picture showed the now-deposed Venezuelan president handcuffed and blindfolded.&nbsp;Earlier, President Donald Trump told Fox &amp; Friends Weekend that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima following their capture in Caracas on Saturday morning.&nbsp;During the interview, when asked about the whereabouts of the couple, Trump replied, “Well, they'll be heading to New York.” When Jenkins clarified if they were taken to a ship first, Trump confirmed: “Yes, the Iwo Jima. They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Donald Trump shares a picture of Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima <a href="https://t.co/FO5ePLcZ2V">pic.twitter.com/FO5ePLcZ2V</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2007489570661969963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hours after the operation, the US president, during a press conference on Saturday from his Mar-a-Lago estate that the United States will "run" Venezuela until a political transition can occur, after the spectacular US military operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-be-strongly-involved-in-venezuela-oil-industry-trump-says-after-maduro-s-capture-1767456938870">US will be ‘strongly involved’ in Venezuela oil industry, Trump says after Maduro’s capture</a>&nbsp;"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," Trump told a press conference, adding that US forces were ready to conduct a second, "much bigger" wave of strikes if necessary.&nbsp;Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been at odds with the United States. Washington has justified its pressure campaign through the language of the “war on drugs,” allegations of dictatorship, and accusations of communist rule, even as control over Venezuela’s vast oil resources has remained a central underlying issue.

Earlier, Trump revealed that the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were being brought to New York to face federal charges.

Donald Trump shared the first photo of captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro aboard the US warship USS Iwo Jima on his Truth Social platform after his capture by the US armed forces during a massive midnight operation in Caracas and several other parts of the country. The picture showed the now-deposed Venezuelan president handcuffed and blindfolded. Earlier, President Donald Trump told Fox & Friends Weekend that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima following their capture in Caracas on Saturday morning. During the interview, when asked about the whereabouts of the couple, Trump replied, “Well, they'll be heading to New York.” When Jenkins clarified if they were taken to a ship first, Trump confirmed: “Yes, the Iwo Jima. They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight.”

Earlier, Trump revealed that the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were being brought to New York to face federal charges.

Trump releases first image of first image of Venezuela's captured Nicolás Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima

Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) said that the United States will be deeply involved in Venezuela's oil industry after deposing and capturing the president Nicolás Maduro through "large-scale" US military strikes in Caracas and several other parts of the country. Trump clarified that Washington will be "very involved" in regime change, saying "we can't take a chance of somebody else taking over, we will make the decision now, he said during an interview with ‘Fox &amp; Friends Weekend.’&nbsp;The US president revealed that he watched the operation from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, adding that "It's just it was an amazing thing, the amazing job that these people did. There's nobody else could have done anything like it," as quoted by Fox News. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-accuses-us-captured-maduro-oil-grab-trump-1767442103594">Trump wanted Venezuela to 'collapse' so the US could take control of its oil</a>&nbsp;When asked about the future of Maduro loyalists in Venezuela, Trump said, “If they stay loyal, the future is really bad, really bad for them... They have American flags being waved on the streets, so I think he's got very little support. He was a dictator that the people hated."<h2>Maduro, his wife were flown by helicopter to USS Iwo Jima</h2>President Donald Trump told Fox &amp; Friends Weekend that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima following their capture in Caracas on Saturday morning.&nbsp;During the interview, host Griff Jenkins asked Trump where the couple was at that moment. Trump replied, “Well, they'll be heading to New York.” When Jenkins clarified if they were taken to a ship first, Trump confirmed: “Yes, the Iwo Jima. They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight.”&nbsp;Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been at odds with the United States. Washington has justified its pressure campaign through the language of the “war on drugs,” allegations of dictatorship, and accusations of communist rule, even as control over Venezuela’s vast oil resources has remained a central underlying issue.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, however, has often laid bare that strategic motivation through his unguarded remarks. In 2024, just months ahead of the presidential election, Trump openly boasted about what critics described as a neo-colonial approach toward Venezuela.&nbsp;“When I left, Venezuela was ready to collapse. We would have taken it over, and we would’ve gotten all that oil. It would have been right next door,” Trump said at the time.The remarks reinforced long-standing claims that Washington’s sustained hostility toward Caracas was driven less by governance concerns and more by strategic and economic interests tied to energy dominance.

Donald Trump clarified that the United States will be deeply involved in the regime change and can not take a chance with somebody else taking over. 

Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) said that the United States will be deeply involved in Venezuela's oil industry after deposing and capturing the president Nicolás Maduro through "large-scale" US military strikes in Caracas and several other parts of the country. Trump clarified that Washington will be "very involved" in regime change, saying "we can't take a chance of somebody else taking over, we will make the decision now, he said during an interview with ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.’ The US president revealed that he watched the operation from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, adding that "It's just it was an amazing thing, the amazing job that these people did. There's nobody else could have done anything like it," as quoted by Fox News. Also Read: Trump wanted Venezuela to 'collapse' so the US could take control of its oil When asked about the future of Maduro loyalists in Venezuela, Trump said, “If they stay loyal, the future is really bad, really bad for them... They have American flags being waved on the streets, so I think he's got very little support. He was a dictator that the people hated." Maduro, his wife were flown by helicopter to USS Iwo Jima President Donald Trump told Fox & Friends Weekend that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima following their capture in Caracas on Saturday morning. During the interview, host Griff Jenkins asked Trump where the couple was at that moment. Trump replied, “Well, they'll be heading to New York.” When Jenkins clarified if they were taken to a ship first, Trump confirmed: “Yes, the Iwo Jima. They’ll be heading into New York. The helicopters took them out, and they went by helicopter on a nice flight.” Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has long been at odds with the United States. Washington has justified its pressure campaign through the language of the “war on drugs,” allegations of dictatorship, and accusations of communist rule, even as control over Venezuela’s vast oil resources has remained a central underlying issue. US President Donald Trump, however, has often laid bare that strategic motivation through his unguarded remarks. In 2024, just months ahead of the presidential election, Trump openly boasted about what critics described as a neo-colonial approach toward Venezuela. “When I left, Venezuela was ready to collapse. We would have taken it over, and we would’ve gotten all that oil. It would have been right next door,” Trump said at the time. The remarks reinforced long-standing claims that Washington’s sustained hostility toward Caracas was driven less by governance concerns and more by strategic and economic interests tied to energy dominance.

Donald Trump clarified that the United States will be deeply involved in the regime change and can not take a chance with somebody else taking over.&nbsp;

US will be ‘strongly involved’ in Venezuela oil industry, Trump says after Maduro’s capture

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado, said on Saturday that the United States “fulfilled its promise to enforce the law” after Nicolas Maduro refused “a negotiated solution”. Machado’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been “captured” in US military action. Machado has become the most recognised face of the Venezuelan opposition in recent years and draws fresh attention in the current circumstances in Venezuela and her possible role in the country’s future.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Venezolanos, llegó la hora de la libertad. <a href="https://t.co/ehy20V1xm9">pic.twitter.com/ehy20V1xm9</a>&mdash; María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaCorinaYA/status/2007473689583829046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;Machado said that Maduro will face “international justice for the heinous crimes committed against Venezuelans”.“The HOUR OF FREEDOM has arrived! Venezuelans, starting today, Nicolás Maduro faces international justice for the heinous crimes committed against Venezuelans and citizens of many other nations. Given his refusal to accept a negotiated exit, the United States government has fulfilled its promise to enforce the law. The time has come for popular sovereignty and national sovereignty to rule in our country. We are going to restore order, free political prisoners, build an exceptional country, and bring our children back home,” Machado said in a statement posted on X in Spanish.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-venezuela-s-heavily-guarded-president-evaded-attacks-until-his-capture-1767440422870">Maduro’s fortress: Venezuelan president’s personal security apparatus that blocked attacks for years before eventual capture</a>&nbsp;Machado called for Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition leader who lost the 2024 presidential election, which many countries accused Maduro of rigging, to “assume his constitutional mandate”&nbsp;“We have fought for years, we have given our all, and it has been worth it. What had to happen is happening. This is the moment for the people. Those of us who risked everything for democracy on July 28. For those of us who elected Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate President of Venezuela, he must immediately assume his constitutional mandate and be recognised as Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces by all the officers and soldiers who comprise it,” Machado said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-delta-force-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-venezuela-s-president-1767436593484">Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“Today we are prepared to enforce our mandate and take power. Let us remain vigilant, active, and organised until the Democratic Transition is completed. A transition that needs ALL of us,” she added.

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado called for Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition leader who lost the 2024 presidential election, which many countries accused Maduro of rigging, to “assume his constitutional mandate.”

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado, said on Saturday that the United States “fulfilled its promise to enforce the law” after Nicolas Maduro refused “a negotiated solution”. Machado’s statement comes after US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been “captured” in US military action. Machado has become the most recognised face of the Venezuelan opposition in recent years and draws fresh attention in the current circumstances in Venezuela and her possible role in the country’s future.

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner, Maria Corina Machado called for Edmundo González Urrutia, the opposition leader who lost the 2024 presidential election, which many countries accused Maduro of rigging, to “assume his constitutional mandate.”

‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says exiled oppn leader Maria Corina Machado on Maduro’s capture

After US launched an attack on the &nbsp;on Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday (Jan 3), Venezuela requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting, announced &nbsp;Foreign Minister Yvan Gil. "In response to the criminal aggression perpetrated by the US government against our nation, we have requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the body responsible for upholding international law," Gil said on Telegram.&nbsp;"No cowardly attack will prevail against the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious," he further said.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Just after the attack US President Donald Trump 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.&nbsp;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."

At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital Caracas early Saturday.

After US launched an attack on the on Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday (Jan 3), Venezuela requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting, announced Foreign Minister Yvan Gil. "In response to the criminal aggression perpetrated by the US government against our nation, we have requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the body responsible for upholding international law," Gil said on Telegram. "No cowardly attack will prevail against the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious," he further said. 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. Just after the attack US President Donald Trump 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."

At least seven explosions rang out and low-flying aircraft swept through the Venezuelan capital Caracas early Saturday.

Venezuela requests urgent UN Security Council meeting after US attack

The United States captured Venezuela's President Nicholas Maduro along with his wife in military strikes on Saturday (Jan 03). Donald Trump termed these raids as "a brilliant operation" as his attorney vowed that the Venezuelan leader will face "full wrath" of American Justice. Maduro now faces serious charges of narco-terror and multiple conspiracies against the United States that can lead to imprisonment for the rest of his life.&nbsp;Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in a post on X, said, “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”.&nbsp;However, these developments follow a similar sequence of events when another Latin American leader was captured by the United States military exactly 36 years ago in Panama on January 3, 1960.<h2>What happened in Noriega's case</h2>To contemplate what the future holds for Nicholas Maduro, the events from 1989–90, when the United States moved against Panama’s military ruler, Manuel Noriega, provide insights.&nbsp;In December 1989, then US President George H.W. Bush launched "Operation Just Cause", deploying nearly 20,000 American troops to Panama to remove Noriega from power on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption similar to what Maduro faces.&nbsp;Although Maduro's capture was swift and took a few hours for the US military, whereas Noriega evaded immediate capture and sought refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Panama City, where he remained holed up for weeks. During the standoff, US troops resorted to psychological pressure, blasting loud rock music, including Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses and Paranoid by Black Sabbath, to force him out.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-was-a-brilliant-operation-says-trump-after-us-captures-maduro-and-his-wife-1767440566177">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;Noriega eventually surrendered in January 1990 and was flown to the United States to face trial. Once in US custody, he fought a prolonged legal battle to be recognised as a prisoner of war (POW) rather than a common criminal.&nbsp;US courts ultimately granted him POW status, entitling him to limited privileges, including less restrictive detention conditions. &nbsp;After spending nearly two decades in US prisons, Noriega was extradited to France and later transferred back to Panama, where he died in 2017at the age of 83.&nbsp;

The United States viewed Maduro as an ideological rival and, in 2020, declared him a wanted criminal, placing a bounty on his head over alleged involvement in drug smuggling and corruption.

The United States captured Venezuela's President Nicholas Maduro along with his wife in military strikes on Saturday (Jan 03). Donald Trump termed these raids as "a brilliant operation" as his attorney vowed that the Venezuelan leader will face "full wrath" of American Justice. Maduro now faces serious charges of narco-terror and multiple conspiracies against the United States that can lead to imprisonment for the rest of his life. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in a post on X, said, “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”. However, these developments follow a similar sequence of events when another Latin American leader was captured by the United States military exactly 36 years ago in Panama on January 3, 1960. What happened in Noriega's case To contemplate what the future holds for Nicholas Maduro, the events from 1989–90, when the United States moved against Panama’s military ruler, Manuel Noriega, provide insights. In December 1989, then US President George H.W. Bush launched "Operation Just Cause", deploying nearly 20,000 American troops to Panama to remove Noriega from power on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption similar to what Maduro faces. Although Maduro's capture was swift and took a few hours for the US military, whereas Noriega evaded immediate capture and sought refuge in the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Panama City, where he remained holed up for weeks. During the standoff, US troops resorted to psychological pressure, blasting loud rock music, including Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses and Paranoid by Black Sabbath, to force him out. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife Noriega eventually surrendered in January 1990 and was flown to the United States to face trial. Once in US custody, he fought a prolonged legal battle to be recognised as a prisoner of war (POW) rather than a common criminal. US courts ultimately granted him POW status, entitling him to limited privileges, including less restrictive detention conditions. After spending nearly two decades in US prisons, Noriega was extradited to France and later transferred back to Panama, where he died in 2017at the age of 83.

The United States viewed Maduro as an ideological rival and, in 2020, declared him a wanted criminal, placing a bounty on his head over alleged involvement in drug smuggling and corruption.

What future holds for Nicolás Maduro in US custody? Panama’s Noriega trial offers possible roadmap

Russian special envoy Kirill Dimitrev called out the double standard of the European democracies as the European Union President Ursula von der Leyen urges a “peaceful and democratic transition”. Russian military operations in Ukraine are breaking international law, but the US military operation in Venezuela and the abduction of Nicolas Maduro is a "peaceful and democratic" transition.&nbsp;“We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter," said EU President Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Following very closely the situation in Venezuela. We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter. With HRVP <a href="https://twitter.com/kajakallas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kajakallas</a> and in coordination with EU Member States, we are…&mdash; Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/2007440364135674172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The EU claims that Maduro doesn't have the legitimacy to rule in Venezuela. “I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela,” wrote Kaja Kallas, European Union Vice President, in a social media post. “The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition. Under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint.” To which Dimitrev responded, maybe Trump should invade Greenland, then the EU will stop supporting the US.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Greenland next? Kaja would probably end up being supportive. <a href="https://t.co/caCDFRBMPf">https://t.co/caCDFRBMPf</a>&mdash; Kirill Dmitriev (@kadmitriev) <a href="https://twitter.com/kadmitriev/status/2007452612019261641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&#39;UK was NOT INVOLVED in any way in this op&#39; PM Starmer yet to call Trump on Venezuela &#39;We should all uphold intl law&#39; <a href="https://t.co/DMBUZMzWFc">https://t.co/DMBUZMzWFc</a> <a href="https://t.co/yhuYw0b8Pe">pic.twitter.com/yhuYw0b8Pe</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2007435873197948963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denied any involvement or knowledge of the operation. 'We should all uphold international law,' said Keir Starmer.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump claimed that he was watching all of it like in a “TV Show”. He said that there is no other country on earth “that could do such a manoeuvre” Trump described the operation in a phone call to Fox News. &nbsp;He said that the US waited for “4 DAYS for better weather for op”. Brazilian President Lula said that the US actions were “1st step toward a world of VIOLENCE, CHAOS, INSTABILITY”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Venezuelans take to the streets in rejection and protest against U.S. military aggression. <a href="https://t.co/Ce12jEgBes">pic.twitter.com/Ce12jEgBes</a>&mdash; teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/telesurenglish/status/2007431655997259888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Russia slams EU hypocrisy after it calls US action in Venezuela a “peaceful transition” despite Maduro’s abduction and alleged UN Charter violations.

Russian special envoy Kirill Dimitrev called out the double standard of the European democracies as the European Union President Ursula von der Leyen urges a “peaceful and democratic transition”. Russian military operations in Ukraine are breaking international law, but the US military operation in Venezuela and the abduction of Nicolas Maduro is a "peaceful and democratic" transition. “We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter," said EU President Ursula von der Leyen.

Russia slams EU hypocrisy after it calls US action in Venezuela a “peaceful transition” despite Maduro’s abduction and alleged UN Charter violations.

Russia calls out double standard of European democracy, silence on Venezuela

New Delhi: A viral video from Bangladesh has sparked widespread outrage after a local leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student platform that spearheaded the 2024 protests leading to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, appeared to boast about involvement in the killing of a Hindu police officer during the unrest.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the footage, filmed last week at a police station in Habiganj district, Mahdi Hasan, identified as the general secretary (or district member secretary) of SAD’s Habiganj unit, is seen arguing with a police officer over the arrest of an activist. During the exchange, Hasan reportedly boasted threateningly, “We burned down the Baniachong Police Station, we set SI Santosh on fire.” He was referring to the events on 5 August 2024, the day mass protests culminated in Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/%E2%80%98It%20was%20a%20brilliant%20operation,%E2%80%99%20says%20Trump%20after%20US%20captures%20Maduro%20and%20his%20wife">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. Many accounts indicate that the station was set ablaze amid escalating clashes. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered. Students Against Discrimination has responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Hasan, seeking his explanation for the remarks, which the group described as potentially breaching discipline.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a>&nbsp;The 2024 protests, initially against civil service job quotas, evolved into a broader anti-Hasina government movement, resulting in hundreds of deaths nationwide. Post-uprising, human rights groups documented attacks on minorities, including Hindus, amid reports of vandalism, looting, and violence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-venezuela-military-sites-caracas-aragua-1767430307213">US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?</a>&nbsp;The situation of minorities remains deplorable since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge after the toppling of the Hasina government in August of 2024 following mass protests. In December 2025, a surge in violence against Hindu minorities was seen in Bangladesh. A 27-year-old Hindu garment unit worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid heightened communal tensions following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on 18 December.

The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered.

New Delhi: A viral video from Bangladesh has sparked widespread outrage after a local leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student platform that spearheaded the 2024 protests leading to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, appeared to boast about involvement in the killing of a Hindu police officer during the unrest. In the footage, filmed last week at a police station in Habiganj district, Mahdi Hasan, identified as the general secretary (or district member secretary) of SAD’s Habiganj unit, is seen arguing with a police officer over the arrest of an activist. During the exchange, Hasan reportedly boasted threateningly, “We burned down the Baniachong Police Station, we set SI Santosh on fire.” He was referring to the events on 5 August 2024, the day mass protests culminated in Hasina’s resignation and flight from the country. Also Read: ‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. Many accounts indicate that the station was set ablaze amid escalating clashes. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered. Students Against Discrimination has responded by issuing a show-cause notice to Hasan, seeking his explanation for the remarks, which the group described as potentially breaching discipline. Also Read: Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes The 2024 protests, initially against civil service job quotas, evolved into a broader anti-Hasina government movement, resulting in hundreds of deaths nationwide. Post-uprising, human rights groups documented attacks on minorities, including Hindus, amid reports of vandalism, looting, and violence. Also Read: US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked? The situation of minorities remains deplorable since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took charge after the toppling of the Hasina government in August of 2024 following mass protests. In December 2025, a surge in violence against Hindu minorities was seen in Bangladesh. A 27-year-old Hindu garment unit worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district. The incident occurred amid heightened communal tensions following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi on 18 December.

The remarks point to the violent attack on Baniachong Police Station in Habiganj, where Sub-Inspector Santosh, a Hindu officer, was killed by a mob. The body of Sub-Inspector Santosh was left on the road, desecrated and displayed publicly, before being recovered.

Bangladesh student leader boasts of killing Hindu police officer during 2024 protests

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

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.&nbsp;"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. "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.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-was-a-brilliant-operation-says-trump-after-us-captures-maduro-and-his-wife-1767440566177">‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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;

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.

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.

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

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."&nbsp;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."<h2>Trump claims attack on Venezuela</h2>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.&nbsp;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,”

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,”

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

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

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.&nbsp;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;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-delta-force-elite-us-military-unit-that-captured-venezuela-s-president-1767436593484">Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

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.

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.

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

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;&nbsp;“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;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;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.

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.

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

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

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US attack on Venezuela and the mission to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife was a “brilliant operation”. Speaking to the New York Times (NYT) via a short telephone interview, Trump celebrated the success of the mission to capture Maduro by terming it as a “brilliant operation”. Praising the US attack on Venezuela and mission to capture its president, Trump said, “A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. It was a brilliant operation, actually.”When asked if he had sought congressional authority for the operation and what is next for the South American country, the US president told the NYT that he would address those questions during his press conference at Mar-a-Lago.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a><h2>US was building up forces off Venezuela for months</h2>&nbsp;Before Trump announced on Saturday that the United States had captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and had flown them out of Venezuela, the US military had launched one of the largest deployments of its forces to the Caribbean region in decades.&nbsp;The US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued an alert to Americans in Venezuela, telling them to shelter in place, citing “reports of explosions in and around” the city. It did not give details. The United States suspended operations at its embassy in Caracas in 2019.&nbsp;Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said in her address on a state-run television that the whereabouts of Nicolás Maduro and his wife are unknown, and asked President Trump for a proof of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-strikes-venezuela-military-sites-caracas-aragua-1767430307213">US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?</a><h2>Maduro captured with a $50 million US bounty out on him</h2>&nbsp;The US government has been seeking Maduro’s arrest for years. He was indicted by a US court in March 2020, accused along with more than a dozen other individuals of narco-terrorism.Last summer, the Trump administration doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million.&nbsp;<h2>‘Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US¹</h2>&nbsp;Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US, Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah said after a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Rubio “informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges,” he said.Lee added that Rubio had told him he anticipates “no further action in Venezuela” now that Maduro is in US custody.&nbsp;The “kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,” he added.&nbsp;“This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,” he added.

The US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued an alert to Americans in Venezuela, telling them to shelter in place, citing “reports of explosions in and around” the city. It did not give details. The United States suspended operations at its embassy in Caracas in 2019.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US attack on Venezuela and the mission to capture President Nicolás Maduro and his wife was a “brilliant operation”. Speaking to the New York Times (NYT) via a short telephone interview, Trump celebrated the success of the mission to capture Maduro by terming it as a “brilliant operation”. Praising the US attack on Venezuela and mission to capture its president, Trump said, “A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. It was a brilliant operation, actually.” When asked if he had sought congressional authority for the operation and what is next for the South American country, the US president told the NYT that he would address those questions during his press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Also Read: Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes US was building up forces off Venezuela for months Before Trump announced on Saturday that the United States had captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and had flown them out of Venezuela, the US military had launched one of the largest deployments of its forces to the Caribbean region in decades. The US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued an alert to Americans in Venezuela, telling them to shelter in place, citing “reports of explosions in and around” the city. It did not give details. The United States suspended operations at its embassy in Caracas in 2019. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said in her address on a state-run television that the whereabouts of Nicolás Maduro and his wife are unknown, and asked President Trump for a proof of life. Also Read: US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked? Maduro captured with a $50 million US bounty out on him The US government has been seeking Maduro’s arrest for years. He was indicted by a US court in March 2020, accused along with more than a dozen other individuals of narco-terrorism. Last summer, the Trump administration doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million. ‘Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US¹ Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US, Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah said after a phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio “informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges,” he said. Lee added that Rubio had told him he anticipates “no further action in Venezuela” now that Maduro is in US custody. The “kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,” he added. “This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,” he added.

The US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, issued an alert to Americans in Venezuela, telling them to shelter in place, citing “reports of explosions in and around” the city. It did not give details. The United States suspended operations at its embassy in Caracas in 2019.

‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife

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;“We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores," said Rodriguez.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇻🇪⚔️🇺🇸‼️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>&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>

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;"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;

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.

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

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

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the economic demands of protesters, but warned “rioters” must be put in their place. This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.“The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. He added, “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair.”Khamenei further warned that while “authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place.”According to the official figures, at least eight people have been killed in the clashes between security forces and protesters. On Saturday, Mehr news agency reported that a member of an Iranian paramilitary force was killed during a demonstration in the country’s west.The clashes mark an escalation in the unrest, which has spread across Iran after shopkeepers began protests last Sunday over inflation and the depreciating currency. The protests have now spread to at least 25 Iranian cities, including those in rural provinces.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-captured-maduro-and-his-wife-confirms-us-strikes-on-venezuela-1767432237551">Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes</a>On Saturday, while the streets of Tehran remained mostly quiet, around 300 people gathered and blocked streets in Darehshahr. The crowd also threw cocktails and “brandished Kalashnikovs” on Friday, according to Fars.The rate of inflation in Iran is at a high of 40 per cent, made worse by Western sanctions.The Iranian government has offered dialogue after the protests, signalling a softer and conciliatory approach. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Thursday that authorities would hold a direct dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, but did not elaborate further.&nbsp;

This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged the economic demands of protesters, but warned “rioters” must be put in their place. This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities. “The president and high-ranking officials are working to resolve” the economic difficulties in the sanctions-battered country, Khamenei said in a speech marking a Shiite holiday. He added, “The shopkeepers have protested against this situation and that is completely fair.” Khamenei further warned that while “authorities must have dialogue with protesters, it is useless to have dialogue with rioters. Those must be put in their place.” According to the official figures, at least eight people have been killed in the clashes between security forces and protesters. On Saturday, Mehr news agency reported that a member of an Iranian paramilitary force was killed during a demonstration in the country’s west. The clashes mark an escalation in the unrest, which has spread across Iran after shopkeepers began protests last Sunday over inflation and the depreciating currency. The protests have now spread to at least 25 Iranian cities, including those in rural provinces. Also read | Maduro kidnapped? Trump says ‘captured’ Venezuelan President and his wife, confirms US strikes On Saturday, while the streets of Tehran remained mostly quiet, around 300 people gathered and blocked streets in Darehshahr. The crowd also threw cocktails and “brandished Kalashnikovs” on Friday, according to Fars. The rate of inflation in Iran is at a high of 40 per cent, made worse by Western sanctions. The Iranian government has offered dialogue after the protests, signalling a softer and conciliatory approach. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said on Thursday that authorities would hold a direct dialogue with representatives of trade unions and merchants, but did not elaborate further.

This comes after a member of the Iranian paramilitary force was killed during the demonstrations in the western part of the country as protests spread across more than two dozen cities.

‘Must be put in their place’: Khamenei warns rioters, says protesters’ demands ‘completely fair’

Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) confirmed that the United States conducted large-scale strikes inside Venezuela and captured President Nicholas maduro and his wife Cilia Flores “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," Trump wrote on Truth Social.&nbsp;As per the initial reports, an elite unit, Delta Force, was central in capturing Maduro in a daring operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas and flew him out of the country. Know the history and previous operations conducted by the Delta Forces.&nbsp; The United States Army’s Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, was established in 1977 to give the US a specialised counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue capability. Founded by Colonel Charles Beckwith, the unit was created after Washington recognised serious gaps in its ability to respond to international terrorist threats.&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating under the US Army Special Operations Command and tasked by the highest levels of government, Delta Force conducts missions that remain largely classified, with details emerging only years later.<h2>From Iran to Mogadishu: Early Combat Operations</h2>Delta Force first entered the public spotlight during Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. While the mission ended in tragedy, it prompted major reforms in US special operations planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 1989, Delta Force played a crucial role in the US invasion of Panama, assisting in the capture of military ruler Manuel Noriega. The unit again saw intense combat in 1993 during operations in Somalia, where Delta operators conducted raids against militia leaders amid fierce urban fighting in Mogadishu.<h2>Central Role in Post-9/11 Counter-Terror Campaign</h2>Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, Delta Force became a key instrument of America’s global counter-terrorism strategy. The unit has since carried out high-risk missions across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other regions, focusing on dismantling extremist networks, targeting senior militant leaders and conducting hostage-rescue operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2019, the Delta Force, carried out a secretive operation that resulted in the death of former Islamic State terror group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.&nbsp;Today, Delta Force remains one of the most secretive arms of the US military, tasked with missions considered too sensitive or dangerous for conventional forces, and continues to shape US counter-terrorism doctrine through precision, speed and intelligence-led operations.

Operating under the US Army Special Operations Command, Delta Force executes missions approved at the highest levels, with operational details often remaining classified for years.

Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 03) confirmed that the United States conducted large-scale strikes inside Venezuela and captured President Nicholas maduro and his wife Cilia Flores “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," Trump wrote on Truth Social. As per the initial reports, an elite unit, Delta Force, was central in capturing Maduro in a daring operation in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas and flew him out of the country. Know the history and previous operations conducted by the Delta Forces. The United States Army’s Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta, was established in 1977 to give the US a specialised counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue capability. Founded by Colonel Charles Beckwith, the unit was created after Washington recognised serious gaps in its ability to respond to international terrorist threats. Operating under the US Army Special Operations Command and tasked by the highest levels of government, Delta Force conducts missions that remain largely classified, with details emerging only years later. From Iran to Mogadishu: Early Combat Operations Delta Force first entered the public spotlight during Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the failed attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran. While the mission ended in tragedy, it prompted major reforms in US special operations planning. In 1989, Delta Force played a crucial role in the US invasion of Panama, assisting in the capture of military ruler Manuel Noriega. The unit again saw intense combat in 1993 during operations in Somalia, where Delta operators conducted raids against militia leaders amid fierce urban fighting in Mogadishu. Central Role in Post-9/11 Counter-Terror Campaign Following the September 11, 2001, attacks, Delta Force became a key instrument of America’s global counter-terrorism strategy. The unit has since carried out high-risk missions across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other regions, focusing on dismantling extremist networks, targeting senior militant leaders and conducting hostage-rescue operations. In 2019, the Delta Force, carried out a secretive operation that resulted in the death of former Islamic State terror group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Today, Delta Force remains one of the most secretive arms of the US military, tasked with missions considered too sensitive or dangerous for conventional forces, and continues to shape US counter-terrorism doctrine through precision, speed and intelligence-led operations.

Operating under the US Army Special Operations Command, Delta Force executes missions approved at the highest levels, with operational details often remaining classified for years.

Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) announced that America has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. While shocking, the "kidnapping" is far from a surprise; just days earlier, he ominously warned the Venezuelan leader to be "smart" and step down or else it would be the "last time he's ever able to play tough."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-attacked-venezuela-president-gustavo-petro-claims-caracas-under-missile-attack-1767424329941">'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack</a><h2>Trump's ominous warning here</h2>On Dec 22, Trump openly suggested that it would be "smart" for Nicolás Maduro to step down, accidentally lending weight to what the Venezuelan President has been claiming for months: the US is looking for regime change in Caracas. &nbsp;Speaking to reporters at his Florida residence, Trump was asked whether the growing US military presence and threats were aimed at forcing Maduro out of office after more than a decade. "That's up to him, what he wants to do," Trump said. "I think it would be smart for him to do that." He followed the comment with a warning, saying that if Maduro chose to "play tough," it would be "the last time he's ever able to play tough."He also suggested that the United States could keep and maybe even sell the oil it had seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks, adding that America would also keep the seized ships. "Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it," Trump said, adding it could be used to restock America's strategic reserves.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-against-peacemaker-trump-s-imperial-aggression-1767428601164">Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' against Trump's 'imperial aggression'</a><h2>How did Maduro respond?</h2>At the time, Maduro had dismissed the comments as empty threats, saying that Trump should focus inward. In a speech broadcast on state television, the Venezuelan leader said Trump would be "better off" addressing economic and social challenges at home instead of threatening another country. "He would be better off in his own country on economic and social issues, and he would be better off in the world if he took care of his country's affairs," said Maduro.<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;&nbsp;

Donald Trump claims the US has captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. The shock announcement follows weeks of threats, seizures, and warnings that this would be Maduro’s “last time” defying Washington. Read ominous warning BELOW.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Jan 3) announced that America has captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country. While shocking, the "kidnapping" is far from a surprise; just days earlier, he ominously warned the Venezuelan leader to be "smart" and step down or else it would be the "last time he's ever able to play tough." Also read | 'They've attacked Venezuela': President Petro says Caracas under missile attack Trump's ominous warning here On Dec 22, Trump openly suggested that it would be "smart" for Nicolás Maduro to step down, accidentally lending weight to what the Venezuelan President has been claiming for months: the US is looking for regime change in Caracas. Speaking to reporters at his Florida residence, Trump was asked whether the growing US military presence and threats were aimed at forcing Maduro out of office after more than a decade. "That's up to him, what he wants to do," Trump said. "I think it would be smart for him to do that." He followed the comment with a warning, saying that if Maduro chose to "play tough," it would be "the last time he's ever able to play tough." He also suggested that the United States could keep and maybe even sell the oil it had seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks, adding that America would also keep the seized ships. "Maybe we will sell it, maybe we will keep it," Trump said, adding it could be used to restock America's strategic reserves. Also read | Venezuela calls for 'mobilisation' against Trump's 'imperial aggression' How did Maduro respond? At the time, Maduro had dismissed the comments as empty threats, saying that Trump should focus inward. In a speech broadcast on state television, the Venezuelan leader said Trump would be "better off" addressing economic and social challenges at home instead of threatening another country. "He would be better off in his own country on economic and social issues, and he would be better off in the world if he took care of his country's affairs," said Maduro. https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-under-attack-maduro-govt-calls-for-mobilisation-of-population-1767433861055/embed

Donald Trump claims the US has captured Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. The shock announcement follows weeks of threats, seizures, and warnings that this would be Maduro’s “last time” defying Washington. Read ominous warning BELOW.

Trump's 'ominous warning' before US grabbed Venezuela president Nicolas Maduro and his wife: Be 'smart' or else...

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

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">JUST IN: 🇻🇪🇺🇸 Major explosions seen in Venezuela amid suspected US military strikes. <a href="https://t.co/myzpgi26wm">pic.twitter.com/myzpgi26wm</a>&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>Venezuela claimed that several parts of the country were targeted, specifically the capital, Caracas, and the neighbouring states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

Fuerte Tiuna (Caracas) - 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.La Carlota &nbsp;(Caracas) – A military air base in eastern Caracas, called the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Airbase, was reportedly hit by the US Air Force.Macay air base (Aragua State)– 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;La Guaira (La Guira) – Primarily a port and coastal state, but it hosts naval and air defence installations tied to military logistics.<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

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

US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

'He's making cocaine...': Trump warns Colombia President Petro after capturing Maduro, tells him to 'watch his a**' | Is he next?

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

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles after US action on Venezuela

India breaks silence after US captures Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro

‘Maduro had his chances, he effed around, and he found out’: Pete Hegseth

We will run Venezuela till safe, proper transition; US firms will invest: Trump

'Not thrilled with Putin’: Trump ends Venezuela briefing with swipe at Russia

Trump hails ‘best display of US power’; Caine says mission rehearsed for months

Trump releases first image of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima

US will be ‘strongly involved’ in Venezuela oil industry: Trump

‘US fulfilled its promise,’ says oppn leader Maria Machado on Maduro’s capture

Venezuela requests urgent UN Security Council meeting after US attack

What lies ahead for Maduro in US custody? Noriega trial offers clues

Russia calls out double standard of European democracy, silence on Venezuela

Bangladesh student leader boasts of killing Hindu police officer amid 2024 stir

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

US announces drug, terrorism charges against Maduro hours after capture

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

How Venezuela’s heavily guarded president evaded attacks until his capture

Russia, Iran condemns US military action in Venezuela, calls for UNSC meeting

‘It was a brilliant operation,’ says Trump after US captures Maduro and his wife

Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodríguez demands ‘Proof of Life’ for Maduro and his wife

‘Must be put in their place’: Khamenei warns rioters, says THIS on demands

Inside Delta Force, elite US military unit that captured Venezuela’s president

Trump's 'ominous warning' before US kidnapped Maduro, wife: Be smart or else...

US launches attack on Venezuela: Which sites are attacked?