Trump Announces US Strike Captures Maduro in Venezuela Amid Explosions, Global Condemnation Erupts
Following a large-scale assault in South America on January 3, 2026, by the United States, President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 3, 2026: President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces conducted a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela and captured Nicolas Maduro, flying him out of the country in a joint operation with U.S. law enforcement.
This announcement, posted on Truth Social, concluded months of pressure on a government that Washington has long criticized as illegitimate, marking a dramatic escalation of a campaign Trump accuses of targeting drugs, migration, and national security.
Venezuela Mobilizes: Emergency Declared as Tensions Skyrocket
Venezuela's president described the attack as "criminal military aggression by the U.S." describing Washington as being motivated by "greed for our strategic resources." This statement came after reports of several explosions and low flying jets over Caracas around 2 am.
Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodrguez also told reporters that the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife have not been located, and he wanted to know their condition. In the wake of the attacks, Caracas and Washington became increasingly tense, and Maduro ordered a national emergency, the activation of national defense plans, and “mass mobilization.”
EU Urges Restraint Amid Chaos
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that she also discussed having a conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the EU ambassador to Caracas about the latest developments in Venezuela.
Kallas said, “The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela. 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. The safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority" on social media platform X.
Italy Tracks 160K Citizens in Crisis Zone
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she “closely monitors the situation in Venezuela, in order to gather information about our fellow citizens” in the country. Meloni said she kept regular contact with Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister.
Venezuela has an estimated 160,000 Italians, mostly of dual Italian nationality.
Russia Slams US 'Armed Aggression'
On Saturday, Russia slammed U.S. action in Venezuela, saying there was no compelling cause for such an attack and that "ideological hostility" had outpaced diplomatic measures.
Venezuela is also Russia's biggest ally in South America; however, Russia has not made any official offer of assistance to Venezuela in the event of a conflict with the U.S.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said, “This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela. This is deeply concerning and condemnable,” in a statement.
Iran Condemns American Attack as Sovereignty Violation
Iran on Saturday condemned what it described as an American attack on Venezuela, as Caracas claimed the United States was behind explosions that shook the capital.
The Iranian foreign ministry said that it “strongly condemns the American military attack on Venezuela and the flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country”.
