Trump claims capture of Venezuelan President as explosions rock Caracas
Donald Trump has claimed US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a large-scale strike amid explosions in Caracas. Venezuela's government has rejected the claim, calling the action an imperialist attack targeting the nation’s resources.
- Donald Trump says Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured in a US-led military strike.
- Explosions were reported in Caracas, including at major military sites, with fires and aircraft sightings.
- Venezuela's government has declared a national emergency and rejected the US action as imperialist aggression.
A major escalation unfolded on 3 January 2026 as Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured in a United States-led military operation.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated:
"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás 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."
He added that more information would follow in a press conference scheduled for 11:00 EST (16:00 BST) at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The Venezuelan government has not confirmed the alleged capture, and no independent sources have yet verified Trump's claim. The situation on the ground remains fluid.
Explosions reported in Caracas
Multiple explosions were reported in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, early in the day. Footage circulating on social media and shared by eyewitnesses showed fires, smoke columns, and damaged infrastructure.
Notably, strikes appeared to target strategic military locations, including La Carlota airfield and Fuerte Tiuna military base. Both were reportedly affected, with videos showing apparent explosions and surrounding districts experiencing power outages.
Eyewitness Vanessa Silva, a journalist in Caracas, described the explosion as “stronger than thunder”, noting that it caused her home to vibrate.
“My heart was pumping and legs were shaking,” she told the BBC.
There are also reports of helicopters and other aircraft flying over the city, contributing to fears of a broader military operation underway.
Maduro declares national emergency
In response, Venezuela’s government has earlier declared a national emergency. Maduro signed a decree declaring a “state of external commotion” and ordered the activation of national defence plans.
The official government statement accused the United States of launching “extremely serious military aggression” aimed at seizing Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth and undermining its political independence.
The government also called upon grassroots organisations and militias to mobilise across the country.
Background to rising tensions
This development follows months of increasing military activity in the region. According to US officials cited by CBS News, Trump had previously authorised strikes on Venezuelan military facilities. The White House has not commented publicly.
US forces have also carried out dozens of operations targeting alleged drug-smuggling boats in Venezuelan waters since September, resulting in over 110 deaths.
In December, the US confiscated two sanctioned oil tankers and pursued a third. The operations are part of what Trump described as efforts to dismantle an “international drug trafficking organisation” led by Maduro, an allegation the Venezuelan president denies.
In a recent interview, Maduro had expressed openness to talks with the US on drug trafficking and oil but did not directly respond to Trump's earlier remarks about attacks on Venezuelan infrastructure.
aUnverified claims and pending confirmation
While Trump’s claim of Maduro’s capture marks a potentially historic development, key details remain unconfirmed. No images or official Pentagon statements have been released, and the Venezuelan government continues to act as though Maduro remains in power.
Analysts warn that without independent verification, the situation remains unclear. Trump’s message included no evidence or logistical details about the supposed operation.
As explosions continue to reverberate across Caracas and Venezuela mobilises internally, international observers are watching closely to verify the US president’s claim and assess the broader implications for regional stability.
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