Image: TRT World

US Bombs Venezuela, Captures President Maduro in Fifteen-Minute Operation

03 January, 2026.USA.13 sources

Key Takeaways

US launched a large-scale strike on Caracas and captured President Nicolas Maduro.
Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country by US forces after capture.
Maduro faces U.S. charges, including narco-terrorism, in New York.

US-Israeli Strikes Bomb Venezuela Capital

US forces bombed Caracas in coordinated US-Israeli strikes.

“US captures Maduro, carries out 'large scale strike' in Venezuela: Trump Several explosions were heard in the capital Caracas in the early morning hours”

ABC News

American-Israeli strikes killed 555 in Iran.

ABC News

CENTCOM confirmed six American service members killed.

Trump Captures President Maduro

Trump announced his forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The US installed opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president.

Al Jazeera

Continental powers condemned the strikes as war crimes.

Strikes Target Oil Facilities, Kill Dozens

The Pentagon confirmed the strikes targeted Venezuelan infrastructure.

“Global outcry and division: World reactions to US strikes and Maduro's capture in Venezuela China, Russia, Iran, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico condemn, Israel and Ukraine express support, Türkiye says it is closely monitoring developments The United States bombed Caracas, the capital of Venezuela US President Donald Trump: 'We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition' Trump said Maduro and his wife were seized during the operation, and would face prosecution in the US judicial system ISTANBUL Türkiye stresses stability in Venezuela, calls on all parties to 'act with restraint' in wake of US strikes Türkiye said Saturday that it places importance on stability in Venezuela and on the peace and well-being of the Venezuelan people”