US President Donald Trump announced on January 3 that the United States had initiated military strikes within Venezuela and claimed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump stated that the captured individuals were apprehended from a residential location and would be transported to New York. Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy RodrÃguez stated the Venezuelan government was unaware of President Maduro's and First Lady Flores' whereabouts, while Venezuela declared a national emergency, characterizing the actions as "extremely serious military aggression."
Overview of US Announcement
President Donald Trump stated that the United States conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela, leading to the apprehension of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Trump confirmed the capture from a residential location, adding that they were flown out of Venezuela in a military operation conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi further stated that President Maduro had been indicted in New York on charges related to drugs and weapons, and would face legal proceedings within the American justice system. President Trump also announced that the United States would oversee Venezuela's administration until a transition process is implemented.
CBS, identified as the BBC's US news partner, reported that the capture was carried out by the US Army's Delta Force. President Trump reported that US forces incurred minor injuries during the operation, with no fatalities. Further details regarding the detention or specific location of Maduro were not immediately provided by Trump.
Reported Events in Venezuela
Around 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT), multiple loud explosions were reported across Caracas, with smoke visible over the city. Affected locations reportedly included the La Carlota military airfield and the Fuerte Tiuna military base. Surrounding communities experienced power outages. The Venezuelan government also reported strikes in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Social media videos showing explosions and helicopters circulated, but these remain unverified. As of reporting, information on potential casualties was unavailable.
Venezuelan Government Reaction
Venezuela's Vice-President Delcy RodrÃguez stated that the Venezuelan government was unaware of the whereabouts of President Maduro and First Lady Flores. In response to these events, Venezuela declared a national emergency, characterizing the actions as "extremely serious military aggression."
Context and Further Information
President Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where additional information about the operation may be disclosed. The claims were reported by Bernd Debusmann Jr. of the BBC, with dispatches originating from Doral, Florida, a prominent hub for the Venezuelan and Venezuelan-American community within the United States.