‘Proof of Capture’: Trump Shares Photo of Maduro in US Custody

The United States has claimed it carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela overnight, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, following a series of airstrikes on the capital, Caracas.

Former US President Donald Trump announced the operation in a post on his Truth Social platform and later reiterated the claims during an interview with Fox News. Trump said Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country” after US forces targeted multiple sites in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday.

Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. pic.twitter.com/omF2UpDJhA

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 3, 2026

According to Trump, at least seven explosions were heard across the city as low-flying aircraft conducted what he described as an “extremely complex” military manoeuvre. He said he observed the operation unfold from his residence at Mar-a-Lago, likening it to “watching a television show,” and praised the US military for what he called an “amazing job.”

Trump claimed the operation had been planned for several days but was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. He also alleged that Maduro was seized from a “highly guarded fortress.” The former president said no US personnel were killed, though some were injured.

Following the claimed capture, Trump said Maduro and his wife had been indicted in New York and labelled “narco-traffickers” by US authorities. According to US claims, Maduro is facing charges in the Southern District of New York, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and multiple weapons-related offences involving machine guns and destructive devices.

In a statement posted shortly after 9:30am GMT, Trump wrote that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement” and said further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled at Mar-a-Lago.

Explosions, Power Cuts and Military Response

Residents in Caracas reported loud explosions beginning around 1:50am local time, with several locations across the city affected. One of the reported targets was Fort Tiuna, which houses Venezuela’s Ministry of Defence. Parts of southern Caracas, including areas near major military installations, were left without electricity, while a column of smoke was seen rising from La Carlota airport.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people pouring into the streets in several neighbourhoods. Some residents were reportedly evacuated from a building near the Miraflores presidential palace as a precaution.

Venezuela’s government accused the United States of carrying out the attack and announced the deployment of its armed forces for what it described as the “integral defence of the nation.” In a strongly worded statement, Caracas said it “rejects, repudiates and denounces” what it called US military aggression.

The Venezuelan authorities accused Washington of attempting to undermine the country’s political independence and seize strategic resources, including oil and minerals. The government warned that such actions threaten peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean and endanger millions of lives.

International Reactions

The developments prompted swift international reactions. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he had not yet spoken to Trump about what he described as a “fast-moving situation.” He added that he intended to consult both the US president and international allies, stressing the importance of establishing the facts and upholding international law.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the US action as “unorthodox” and “contrary to international law,” though he stopped short of outright condemnation. He suggested that if the move caused China and Russia to “think twice,” it might have strategic consequences, adding that he hoped the Venezuelan people could now move forward without Maduro.

Russia expressed strong concern, with the Russian foreign ministry issuing a statement condemning the action and questioning the justifications used by the US. Moscow, a long-time ally of Caracas, said ideological hostility had overridden diplomacy and warned against destabilising the region.

Travel Warnings and Opposition Response

In response to the unfolding situation, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice, urging British nationals against all travel to Venezuela. Those already in the country were advised to shelter in place and remain ready to change plans at short notice. The Foreign Office also warned that travel insurance could be invalidated if citizens ignored the guidance.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado said she was focused on achieving a peaceful political transition. While acknowledging that her movement has plans in place to assume control, she stressed that she had not been involved in any US decision-making related to the military action.

As of now, independent verification of the US claims regarding the capture of President Maduro has not been confirmed, and the situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile.

Also Read: U.S. Forces Captured Venezuela’s President in Major Operation, Trump Claims