Trump Claims Venezuela's Maduro Captured After US Airstrikes

On January 3, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured after the United States conducted 'large-scale airstrikes' against Venezuela. The announcement was made from the White House, where Trump stated that Maduro would face trial in the United States on unspecified criminal charges. The military operation, which began in the early hours of January 3, targeted key installations in Caracas and other strategic locations across Venezuela. According to US military sources, the airstrikes were launched from bases in Florida and the Caribbean, with support from regional allies. The US government cited Maduro's alleged involvement in drug trafficking and human rights abuses as justification for the intervention. The capture has drawn international condemnation from countries including Russia, China, and several Latin American nations, who have called the action a violation of sovereignty. The Venezuelan military's response remains unclear, with reports of both resistance and confusion within the ranks. This marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations and could have major implications for regional stability.