Trump says Venezuelan President Maduro and wife 'captured and flown out' in 'large scale strike' by US
At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2am local time on Saturday (Jan 3) in Caracas, while Venezuela's government says attacks also took place in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, burning after a series of explosions in Caracas on Jan 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Luis Jaimes)
03 Jan 2026 04:03PM (Updated: 03 Jan 2026 05:53PM)
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CARACAS: President Donald Trump said on Saturday (Jan 3) that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on the South American country.
"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
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Trump also said he would give a news conference at 11am local time (12am Singapore time) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
In response, Venezuela said in a statement it rejected the "military aggression" by the United States.
Attacks took place in the capital of Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the statement said, prompting the country's government to declare a national emergency and call on social and political forces to "activate mobilisation plans".
"The objective of this attack is none other than to seize Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to break the nation’s political independence by force. They will not succeed," the statement added.
At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard around 2am local time (2pm, Singapore time) on Saturday in Caracas.
It was not immediately clear what was behind the explosions. Venezuela’s government, the Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
However, a US official told Reuters early on Saturday that the US is carrying out strikes inside Venezuela. The official, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity, did not provide details.
Smoke could be seen rising from the hangar of a military base in Caracas. Another military installation in the capital was without power.
Smoke rises near Fort Tiuna, a military zone, during a full blackout, following explosions and loud noises, amid rising tensions between administrations of US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas,…see more
Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, on Jan 3, 2026. (Photo: AP/Cristian Hernandez)