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By Sam Stevenson, Hollie Silverman, John Feng, Mandy Taheri, Leonardo Feldman, Adeola Adeosun, and Peter Aitken
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Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilla Flores have arrived in the U.S. Saturday night after they were captured in an operation ordered by President Donald Trump.
Trump said that the U.S. will run Venezuela and its oil production during a press conference detailing the operation Saturday morning at Mar-a-Lago.
Maduro and Flores have been formally indicted in the Southern District of New York, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced, after Trump confirmed the U.S. captured them during a "large-scale strike" against Caracas early Saturday morning. Maduro earlier declared a national emergency after multiple explosions rocked the capital city.
Smoke billowed from a hangar at a military base in the city, while another installation in the capital reportedly lost power, and low-flying aircraft were heard. Residents in several neighborhoods rushed into the streets, some watching from a distance as the situation unfolded. "The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes," Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, told The Associated Press. "We felt like the air was hitting us."
What To Know:
- Maduro and his wife arrived at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County, New York in an aircraft Saturday night.
- President Trump said the U.S. will run the country following the capture of Maduro and his wife.
- The U.S. plans to operate the country's oil production and sell to other countries to cover the cost of running the government, Trump said.
- The explosions come amid recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. Maduro has claimed the attacks were an attempt by the U.S. to take his country's natural resources.
- On Friday, Venezuela signaled its willingness to negotiate an anti-narcotics agreement with Washington. In a prerecorded interview broadcast on Thursday, Maduro accused the U.S. of seeking regime change and access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves through a months-long campaign that began with a military deployment to the Caribbean in August.
- Maduro faces U.S. charges of narco-terrorism. Last week, a CIA drone strike targeted a docking area allegedly used by Venezuelan drug cartels—the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since U.S. strikes on boats began in September.
- Trump had long warned he might authorize strikes on land targets. The U.S. has also seized sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela's coast, and Trump ordered a blockade of others in a move aimed at tightening economic pressure on the country.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 11:21 PM EST
Caribbean Airspace to Reopen After Venezuela Strike Cancellations
Caribbean airspace restrictions will lift at midnight Saturday, allowing flights to resume after the President Donald Trump's administration grounded hundreds of flights following U.S. military strikes in Venezuela, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on X.
"The original restrictions around the Caribbean airspace are expiring at 12:00am ET and flights can resume," Duffy wrote on X Saturday evening. "Airlines are informed, and will update their schedules quickly. Please continue to work with your airline if your flight was affected by the restrictions."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted airspace across the Caribbean and Venezuela earlier Saturday after large-scale U.S. military strikes resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Nearly 300 flights to and from San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport alone were canceled, with restrictions affecting more than a dozen Caribbean destinations across multiple airlines.
The airspace closures represented one of the most significant disruptions to Caribbean travel in recent years, stranding thousands of passengers during a peak holiday travel period. Major carriers including JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Frontier and Spirit implemented widespread cancellations and travel waivers for affected passengers.
Airlines are expected to update their schedules quickly following the midnight reopening, though passengers whose flights were canceled Saturday may still face delays as carriers work to accommodate stranded travelers and restore normal operations.
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:33 PM EST
Delcy Rodriguez Named Venezuela Acting President After Maduro Removal
Venezuela's Supreme Court has ordered Vice President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez to assume the powers and duties of acting president following what the court described as the "kidnapping" of President Nicolás Maduro by foreign military forces on Saturday.
The Constitutional Chamber ruled that Maduro is in a "material and temporary impossibility to exercise his functions" due to what it called a "foreign military aggression" by the United States. The court invoked articles 234 and 239 of Venezuela's constitution to justify the transition of power.
"This fact, public and notorious, which occurred on January 3, 2026, constitutes an exceptional, atypical situation and force majeure," Justice Tania D'Amelio said in announcing the decision, which was broadcast on state television channel VTV.
Rodriguez will exercise all powers and duties of the presidency "in order to guarantee the administrative continuity and the integral defense of the Nation," according to the court order. The National Defense Council, Military High Command, and National Assembly were ordered to be notified immediately.
Venezuela's constitution states that when there is a temporary or absolute absence of the president, the vice president must replace them.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 09:23 PM EST
White House Shares Footage of Maduro in Apparent Custody After Ouster
The White House rapid response team released footage on X showing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being escorted through what appears to be a law enforcement facility.
The video depicts Maduro wearing a black hooded sweatshirt as he walks along a hallway with blue carpeting marked with "DEA NYD" insignia. The Rapid Response 47 account captioned the clip with "Perp walked" on Saturday evening following the capture of the Venezuelan leader and his wife.
During the brief footage, Maduro can be seen offering a "Happy New Year" greeting to someone off camera.
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:47 PM EST
Photos Show DEA Convoy Transporting Maduro Through NYC
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Jan 03, 2026 at 08:42 PM EST
Nicolás Maduro Headed to Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn
Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro arrived in New York City shortly after 8 p.m. ET, landing by helicopter in Brooklyn where he was then moved to a convoy that will drive him to Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.
This is the same prison that has held Diddy and Sam Bankman-Fried.
Video captured authorities leading a two figures in hoods and baggy clothing to a helicopter and then transferring them to SUVs before driving off to the detention center.
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:30 PM EST
Venezuelans in South Florida Celebrate Maduro’s Capture
Venezuelans who now call South Florida home gathered to celebrate the ousting of Nicolas Maduro.
Draped in Venezuelan flags and gathering for a rally in Doral, just outside of Miami, Venezuelans who had fled their homeland told The Associated Press that they see the removal of Maduro as a significant step towards reuniting with their loved ones.
“We’re like everybody — it’s a combination of feelings, of course,” said Alejandra Arrieta, who came to the U.S. in 1997. “There’s fears. There’s excitement. There’s so many years that we’ve been waiting for this. Something had to happen in Venezuela. We all need the freedom.”
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Jan 03, 2026 at 07:53 PM EST
House Oversight Dems Accuse Trump of ‘Unconstitutional’ Actions
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee on Saturday afternoon labeled the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela "unconstitutional" in a post on X.
The post mainly focused on the "coincidence" that Saturday - the day that the U.S. launched strikes on Caracas and captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro - happened to be the statutory date for the Department of Justice to explain its redactions in the Epstein files released to the public in December.
"We have not forgotten, and we won’t let up - regardless of the President’s new unconstitutional actions," the post said.
Jan 03, 2026 at 07:03 PM EST
At Least 40 Killed in US Airstrikes in Venezuela-Report
The U.S. airstrikes carried out on Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela, killed at least 40 people, according to The New York Times.
Citing a Venezuelan official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Times reported that the strikes killed military personnel and civilians.
Jan 03, 2026 at 06:43 PM EST
UN Security Council to Meet Monday to Discuss US Capture of Maduro
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday following U.S. military action that deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Colombia, with backing from Russia and China, requested the emergency session of the 15-member council, according to Reuters.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has characterized the American intervention as setting "a dangerous precedent." President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Washington would run Venezuela "until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition," though specifics of this plan remain unclear.
Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada wrote to the Security Council Saturday, calling the action "a colonial war aimed at destroying our republican form of government." He accused the U.S. of violating the U.N. Charter, which prohibits members from using "the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:39 PM EST
Video Shows Nicolas Maduro Departing Plane in New York
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:30 PM EST
Gen. Caine: More than 150 Aircrafts Used in Maduro Capture Operation
More than 150 aircraft were used during the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Gen. Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, said during a press conference Saturday.
Caine detailed the mission saying the military used "thousands of hours of experience" to complete the capture.
He explained that multiple aircrafts, including F-22s, F-35s, F-18s, EA-18s, E-2s, B1 bombers and remotely piloted drones, were a part of the operation.
As US forces entered the airspace, the "joint air component dismantled and disabled air defense systems in Venezuela," Caine said.
He noted that the youngest crew member was 20 years old while the oldest was 49.
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:09 PM EST
Plane Carrying Maduro Arrives in US
A plane carrying Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro following his capture early Saturday has arrived in New York, the AP reported, citing sources.
Images shared by CNN show the plane landing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County, New York.
Several agents boarded the plane upon landing, according to CNN.
Stewart Air National Guard Base sits about 70 miles north of Manhattan on the west side of the Hudson River near Newburgh.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have both been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism and conspiracy, according to a post on X from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In an image shared by President Donald Trump on Truth Social earlier today, Maduro was seen blindfolded, handcuffed, holding a water bottle and wearing a grey Nike sweatsuit.
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:00 PM EST
Mark Kelly on Trump Venezuela Operation: ‘Poorly thought-out’
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly said in a post on X Saturday that President Donald Trump's decision to take over the nation's oil production is "poorly thought-out."
Kelly has recently been targeted by the Trump administration for accusations of sedition after telling US soldiers in a video to not follow orders they deem wrong.
"The President of the United States just overthrew a foreign ruler and explained to the American people that this is about taking control of the oil reserves of a foreign nation," Kelly said, adding, "He doesn’t understand the risks and costs involved with these poorly thought-out decisions that don’t make Americans any safer today than they were yesterday."
Trump said during a press conference Saturday that the US will run the country and its oil production, paying for the plan by selling the oil to other foreign countries.
Kelly noted that while Maduro "deserves to face justice" he feels that the people of Venezuela should "choose their own future."
"I don’t trust that this administration has a plan, timeline, or price tag for what comes next," Kelly continued.
"Over the past year, Trump’s foreign policy has been reckless, chaotic, self-serving, and unconstitutional. Congress should vote this week to reassert its authority on behalf of the American people before he oversteps again," he said.
Jan 03, 2026 at 04:30 PM EST
Anti-War Protests Planned Nationwide After US Strike on Venezuela
Emergency anti-war protests are scheduled across the United States this weekend following a U.S. military strike on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Demonstrations are planned in over 100 cities, with the main New York City protest set to begin at 2 p.m. in Times Square, according to organizers The People's Forum and the ANSWER Coalition.
Protests are scheduled throughout Saturday in major cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., as well as dozens of smaller communities across the country. Additional demonstrations are planned for Sunday in cities including Detroit, Austin, Nashville, and New Orleans. Organizers have characterized the military action as an effort to control Venezuela's vast oil reserves rather than addressing drug trafficking or promote democracy.
Newsweek reached out to the ANSWER Coalition as well as the White House via email on Saturday for comment.
Jan 03, 2026 at 04:00 PM EST
Chevron Reacts to Trump’s Venezuela Plan
American oil company Chevron, which has been in Venezuela for nearly a century, responded in a Saturday statement to the Trump administration’s operations in the South American country.
A Chevron spokesperson retracted an initial statement sent to Newsweek, writing Saturday afternoon that the company's official statement is: “Chevron remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, as well as the integrity of our assets. We continue to operate in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.”
In a previous statement, the spokesperson said: "With more than a century in Venezuela, we support a peaceful, lawful transition that promotes stability and economic recovery,” adding, "We’re prepared to work constructively with the U.S. Government during this period, leveraging our experience and presence to strengthen U.S. energy security.”
The statement comes after Trump said in a Saturday press conference that the U.S. will run Venezuela and take control of its oil production, saying, "As everyone knows, the oil business in Venezuela has been a bust, a total bust for a long period of time."
He added: “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country.”
Trump said oil companies will directly pay for the cost of rebuilding Venezuela’s infrastructure, and “will be reimbursed for what they’re doing.”
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, but it produces only a small share of global output, something Trump wants to reconcile.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry and last year sanctioned an oil tanker off the country's coast amid a pressure campaign.
Despite sanctions, Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company still operating in the country, due to its license from the U.S. Treasury which allows it to produce and export Venezuelan oil under specific conditions.
Jan 03, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST
Netanyahu Congratulates Trump on Maduro Capture
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Donald Trump on the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a post on X Saturday.
"Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold and historic leadership on behalf of freedom and justice," Netanyahu said in the post.
"I salute your decisive resolve and the brilliant action of your brave soldiers," he continued.
Maduro and his wife were taken by U.S. forces early Saturday and are headed to New York for prosecution.
Jan 03, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST
New York Mayor Mamdani Reacts to Maduro Capture
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reacted to the federal government's plan to hold captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the state in a post to X Saturday.
Mamdani slammed the capture as "an act of war and a violation of federal and international law."
"This blatant pursuit of regime change doesn’t just affect those abroad, it directly impacts New Yorkers, including tens of thousands of Venezuelans who call this city home," Mamdani said, adding, "My focus is their safety and the safety of every New Yorker, and my administration will continue to monitor the situation and issue relevant guidance."
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post to X earlier that Maduro and his wife were headed to New York to be held and prosecuted for multiple crimes, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machineguns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices against the United States.
"They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," Bondi said in the post.
Mamdani slammed the capture as "an act of war and a violation of federal and international law."
Jan 03, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Out Trump Motive and Says Regime Change in Iran Coming
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, called out the Trump administration’s operation for regime change in the country, saying that if the military action “was really about saving American lives from deadly drugs then why hasn’t the Trump admin taken action against Mexican cartels?”
Greene, a leading “America First” voice, has recently broken with the president over the Jeffrey Epstein files and the administration’s foreign policy agenda. She said the operation exposed contradictions in the administration’s approach, particularly their emphasis of halting drugs from coming over the border.
Greene continued, “If prosecuting narco terrorists is a high priority then why did President Trump pardon the former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez who was convicted and sentenced for 45 years for trafficking hundreds of tons of cocaine into America? Ironically cocaine is the same drug that Venezuela primarily traffics into the U.S.”
Several other lawmakers have asked the same question.
The Georgia Republican also wrote, “the next obvious regime change war in Iran.”
She continued noting that “many in MAGA thought they voted to end” policies such as, “Regime change, funding foreign wars, and American’s tax dollars being consistently funneled to foreign causes, foreigners both home and abroad, and foreign governments while Americans are consistently facing increasing cost of living, housing, healthcare, and learn about scams and fraud of their tax dollars,” all of which has “most Americans enraged.”
Jan 03, 2026 at 02:00 PM EST
U.N. Secretary General ‘Alarmed’ By U.S. Operation in Venezuela
A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a Saturday statement that the leader is “deeply alarmed” by the U.S.’s operation and noted it has “potential worrying implications for the region.”
The statement continued to note that the “developments constitute a dangerous precedent,” emphasizing the “importance of full respect- by all- of international law, including the UN Charter.”
The U.N. Charter is the organization’s founding document and sets out core principles, including respect for national sovereignty and a general prohibition on the use of force against other countries, except under certain self-defense circumstances.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk reiterated the message, adding in an X post, “The protection of people in Venezuela is paramount and must guide any further action.”
Jan 03, 2026 at 01:30 PM EST
Trump Shows Putin How To Do a Special Military Operation | Perspective
Thirty-six years ago, U.S. troops spent 10 days waiting out Panama’s strongman Manuel Noriega as he holed up inside the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Panama City, while American psychological-operations teams blasted rock music outside until he finally surrendered on January 3, 1990. Today, President Donald Trump has staged a harsher sequel: a “large-scale strike” that ended with Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, “captured and flown out” of Venezuela.
The most striking comparison to the operation isn’t Panama, though. It’s Ukraine. From Moscow, President Vladimir Putin once tried his own version of leadership decapitation—minus the rock playlist, plus a full-scale invasion—expecting Ukraine’s government to “quit, flee or capitulate” within days. Instead, Volodymyr Zelensky stayed put, and Russia got the longest, costliest “special military operation” in modern European history. Trump’s Venezuela gamble is many things—legally combustible, geopolitically arrogant, and potentially reckless—but as a piece of narrow coercive statecraft, it is exactly what Putin pretended he was doing in February 2022. Except that it worked, for now. What comes next is the real test.
Why is this happening?
The immediate news, as Newsweek reports, is straightforward: explosions hit Caracas overnight; Trump said the U.S. conducted a “large-scale strike”; and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced indictments in the Southern District of New York after the administration said Maduro and Flores were captured. The couple were taken from their home inside Caracas’ Ft. Tiuna military complex and flown to a U.S. warship en route to New York.
The actual attack itself lasted less than 30 minutes. Trump told Fox & Friends that “the fact that we had nobody killed was amazing,” while also saying some U.S. forces were injured; AP separately reports no U.S. fatalities but injuries among U.S. troops. Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, said some Venezuelan civilians and members of the military were killed, without providing a number. She is now in Russia, according to Reuters, citing anonymous sources.
Jan 03, 2026 at 01:15 PM EST
Venezuelan Governors, Mayors Urge Pro-Maduro Supporters to Take to the Streets
Pro-government demonstrations were reported across several parts of Venezuela, with supporters gathering in central plazas to demand the release of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores and to denounce what they described as U.S. aggression.
In Barquisimeto, crowds assembled at Plaza Bolívar after a call from Lara state Governor Luis Reyes Reyes, who condemned Washington’s actions and urged residents to remain in the streets in defense of national sovereignty.
Similar rallies were reported in Porlamar and in Guárico state, where demonstrators voiced support for Maduro and the government. In Caracas, participants framed the U.S. attack as a geopolitical and economic assault.
Jan 03, 2026 at 01:00 PM EST
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Machado: “House of Freedom Has Arrived”
Vente Venezuela party leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has released a statement following the U.S.’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro early Saturday.
In a Spanish statement posted on her X account, Machado said “the United States government has fulfilled its promise to uphold the law.”
She celebrated the U.S.’s move, saying, “this is the hour of the citizens,” noting that “today we are prepared to assert our mandate and take power.”
She called upon Venezuelans in the country and those abroad to mobilize and help build “the new Venezuela.”
Machado ended her statement writing, “Venezuela will be free!”
Machado had overwhelming won a 2023 presidential primary but was blocked from running for president by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. In 2024, she led her opposition alliance in the presidential elections, with Edmundo González widely considered to have won by a landslide, although Maduro declared himself the winner. She previously served as a National Assembly deputy from 2010 until her ouster in 2014.
She previously had been living in hiding in Venezuela, and in December appeared in Norway to receive her prize.
Jan 03, 2026 at 12:45 PM EST
Trump Plans to Sell Oil from Venezuela
President Donald Trump said that he plans to sell "large amounts of oil to other countries" from Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump said that he plans to rebuild oil infrastructure and have the oil companies pay for it directly.
"We're going to run it properly," he said, adding that he plans to "make sure people of Venezuela are taken care of."
"We're gonna run the country right. It's going to make a lot of money. We're going to give money to the people," Trump continued.
"We built that whole industry there, and they just took it over like we were nothing. We did something about it," the president said, adding, "We're late but we did something about it."
"We're going to take back the oil that frankly we should have taken back a long time ago," he continued.
He said that the money to run the country will "come out of the ground," and essentially pay for itself.
Jan 03, 2026 at 12:28 PM EST
Trump Says ‘People Behind Me’ Will Run Venezuela
President Donald Trump gave more details on how the U.S. will run Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro Saturday.
"It's all being done right now. We're designating people, we're talking to people, we're designating various people," Trump explained, adding that those who will run the country would largely be "the people who are standing behind [him]."
Trump said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is working on the relationship with Venezuela Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. Their conversation has indicated that Rodriguez is "willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again," Trump said.
He also said that there would be reimbursement for people in America who were run out of Venezuela.
Jan 03, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST
Hegseth on Maduro: ‘He f’d around and he found out.’
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Department of Defense, said Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro "f'd around and he found out," during a press conference Saturday.
Hegseth touted the success of the operation, saying it was "Flawlessly executed by the greatest Americans our country has to offer."
"No other country...could pull this off," he continued, saying, "Our adversaries remain on notice. America can project our will anywhere anytime."
"Nicolas Maduro had his chance just like Iran had their chance until they didn't and he didn't," Hegseth explained, adding, "He f'd around and he found out."
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:55 AM EST
Trump Says US Will Run Venezuela After Maduro Capture
The United States will run Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro Saturday, President Donald Trump said during a press conference Saturday.
"We’re going to run the country until such time that we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition," Trump explained.
He said that they were ready to do a larger attack if needed but now thinks it won't be necessary.
"We're prepared to do a second wave a much bigger wave," he said, noting that following the success of the operation the nation "probably won't need to."
Further details on how the U.S. will "run" the country have not yet been detailed.
Trump said the U.S. will "make the people of Venezuela rich, independent and safe."
"They suffered so much was taken from them they're not going to suffer anymore," he said.
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:48 AM EST
President Trump Touts Success of Maduro Capture Operation
During a press conference Saturday, President Donald Trump compared the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela to WWII.
He said that the assault was carried out by "air, land and sea."
Trump called it "one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays...in American history."
He touted the success of the operation, saying that no Americans soldiers were killed or injured in the operation.
"All perfectly executed and done. No nation in the world could achieve what America achieved yesterday."
"All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered powerless."
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:34 AM EST
Trump Shares Picture of Captured Maduro
President Donald Trump shared an image of captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a post on Truth Social Saturday.
The image shows Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed, holding a water bottle and wearing a gray Nike sweatsuit.
Maduro is being held by the arm by what appears to be some kind of federal agent.
...
Jan 03, 2026 at 11:18 AM EST
Democrat Senator Calls for More Transparency Following Venezuela Action
U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, (D-NH), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said that the military actions taken today are "inconsistent" with what the Trump administration told Congress.
"These strikes draw America even deeper into open conflict at grave risk to our service members and reportedly resulted in injured American troops—which we need more information about immediately," Shaheen said in a statement emailed to Newsweek Saturday.
Shaheen has called for the administration to brief Congress as soon as possible about the strike and capture saying, noting the strike has brought "broader insecurity" to the region.
"If the President is confident that today’s military action will not result in unintended consequences for Americans, he should be honest with our country about his reasoning and next steps," Shaheen said, adding, "I urge the Trump Administration to immediately brief Congress on these actions when the Senate returns to Washington on Monday—if not, sooner.”
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:56 AM EST
Venezuelan Americans Celebrate Maduro Capture: ‘Joy’
Groups of Venezuelan Americans are celebrating in the streets of Doral, Florida Saturday following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Images show people gathering and celebrating the news of the capture, with many people waving flags and cheering.
“I was awakened this morning with the news that Maduro was removed from power by the special force, I could not believe it," Sarita Darer, a Venezuelan-American, who lives in Miami told Newsweek.
*"*The joy for my country to finally be free. We had a wonderful life in Caracas, where we had 4 children and where I worked as an architect. People then were nice and friendly all the time."
"I remembered my life there like a dream and I hope....it will be the same again," Darer concluded.
Another Venezuelan-American Eduardo Darer, who also lives in Miami said, "I am crying tears of joy for my country. Long overdue."
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:45 AM EST
Indictment Against Maduro Unsealed
The indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was unsealed and posted to X by Attorney General Pam Bondi Saturday.
Bondi shared a link to the indictment on X, thanking US Attorney Jay Clayton.
Earlier, Bondi said that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were indicted in the Southern District of New York.
Maduro is charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
"NICOLAS MADURO MOROS, the defendant, now sits atop a corrupt, illegitimate government that, for decades, has leveraged government power to protect and promote illegal activity, including drug trafficking," the indictment read. "That drug trafficking has enriched and entrenched Venezuela's political and military elite, including Minister of the Interior, Justice and Peace DIOSDADO CABELLO RONDON, the defendant, and former Minister of the Interior and Justice RAMON RODRIGUEZ CHACIN, the defendant."
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:35 AM EST
President Trump Expected to Give Press Conference
President Donald Trump is expected to give a press conference at 11 a.m. ET Saturday following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump will be speaking from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
The president is expected to address air strikes on the country, along with the capture of Maduro and his wife. Both are being taken to New York after being indicted, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
You can watch this press conference here.
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:15 AM EST
President Trump Details Operation in Venezuela
President Donald Trump told Fox & Friends during a phone interview Saturday morning that soldiers trained ahead of the operation in Venezuela, building a structure to practice in ahead of the operation.
"We waited for days," Trump said, adding that eventually soldiers were able to go in and capture Maduro and his wife.
"He was in a fortress, you know, that fact that we had nobody killed was amazing," he said.
"They're the most highly trained soldiers in the world. There's nobody that has their talent...nobody has equipment like we have. Everything was pinpoint."
Jan 03, 2026 at 10:00 AM EST
‘We will not yield to the enemy’ – Iranian Supreme Leader
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has said Tehran will not "yield to the enemy" in a thinly-veiled message to the United States.
He posted on X shortly after the U.S. strikes on Venezuela: "The important thing is that when a human senses that the enemy arrogantly wants to impose something on the country and its officials, on the government and the nation, he must stand firm with full strength against the enemy and shield his chest.
"We will not yield to the enemy; with reliance and trust in Almighty God and with confidence in the people's companionship, we will bring the enemy to its knees."
Jan 03, 2026 at 09:45 AM EST
JD Vance: The drug trafficking must stop
Vice President JD Vance has responded to claims U.S. strikes on Venezuela were illegal by saying that Nicolas Maduro faces "narcoterrorism" charges in the United States.
Taking to X, he said: "The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation."
He added: "And PSA for everyone saying this was 'illegal': Maduro has multiple indictments in the United States for narcoterrorism. You don't get to avoid justice for drug trafficking in the United States because you live in a palace in Caracas."
Jan 03, 2026 at 09:30 AM EST
European Commission President: We stand by the people of Venezuela
Ursula von der Leyen has said the EU is "following very closely the situation in Venezuela."
The European Commission President said in a post on X: "We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter."
Jan 03, 2026 at 09:15 AM EST
Strikes on Venezuela risk isolating the U.S. – Democratic Senator
A Democratic Congressman has denounced the U.S. strikes on Caracas, saying they risk isolating Washington on the world stage and put "Americans at risk in Venezuela and the region."
Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey wrote in a post on X: "Secretaries Rubio and Hegseth looked every Senator in the eye a few weeks ago and said this wasn’t about regime change. I didn’t trust them then and we see now that they blatantly lied to Congress. Trump rejected our Constitutionally required approval process for armed conflict because the Administration knows the American people overwhelmingly reject risks pulling our nation into another war.
"This strike doesn't represent strength. It's not sound foreign policy. It puts Americans at risk in Venezuela and the region, and it sends a horrible and disturbing signal to other powerful leaders across the globe that targeting a head of state is an acceptable policy for the U.S. government. This will further damage our reputation – already hurt by Trump’s policies around the world – and only isolate us in a time when we need our friends and allies more than ever."
Jan 03, 2026 at 09:00 AM EST
EU official responds to Venezuela strikes
Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has said the "safety of EU citizens in the country is our top priority" regarding the situation in Venezuela.
She said in a post on X: "I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. 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."
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:45 AM EST
UK PM: I will want to speak with Trump
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has addressed this morning’s U.S. strike in Caracas, stressing that the UK had no involvement in the operation.
Starmer confirmed he has not yet spoken to President Donald Trump about what he described as a “fast-moving situation,” but added: “I will want to talk to the president, I will want to talk to allies.”
Asked about Trump’s claim that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been captured, Starmer said: “I want to establish the facts first. As you know, I always say and believe that we should uphold international law.”
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:33 AM EST
What is ‘narco-terrorism’?
Narco-terrorism is a charge recently cited by the U.S. Attorney General against Nicolás Maduro.
Washington alleges that boats targeted in the Pacific and Caribbean were being used to smuggle drugs.
These operations have reportedly resulted in more than 100 deaths. The perceived threat of drug trafficking to U.S. security has been a recurring theme throughout Trump’s second administration.
So, how does the U.S. define narco-terrorism?
According to the US Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programmes, narco-terrorism is: "The involvement of terrorist organisations and insurgent groups in drug trafficking, [it] has become a problem with international implications."
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:15 AM EST
Senator urges Venezuela to ‘act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world’
A Republican Senator has urged Venezuela to "act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world" after "large-scale" U.S. strikes rocked the South American nation.
Congressman Tom Cotton said: "Nicolas Maduro wasn’t just an illegitimate dictator; he also ran a vast drug-trafficking operation. That’s why he was indicted in U.S. court nearly six years ago for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
"I just spoke to Secretary Rubio, who confirmed that Maduro is in U.S. custody and will face justice for his crimes against our citizens. I commend President Trump and our brave troops and law enforcement officers for this incredible operation. The interim government in Venezuela must now decide whether to continue the drug trafficking and colluding with adversaries like Iran and Cuba or whether to act like a normal nation and return to the civilized world. I urge them to choose wisely."
Jan 03, 2026 at 08:00 AM EST
Venezuelan writer thanks Trump for U.S. action
Venezuelan writer Emmanuel Rincón has called President Trump a "true champion of freedom" after the capture and arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Taking to X, he said: "On behalf of the people of Venezuela, thank you, President Donald Trump. You are a true champion of freedom and will go down in history as the greatest and most important president of the past century in the United States. Your name will be synonymous with liberator in Venezuela, and there will be a statue of you in our streets. Long live freedom."
Jan 03, 2026 at 07:45 AM EST
Russia calls for ‘immediate clarification’ over claims U.S. captured Maduro
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called for “immediate clarification” on the situation in Venezuela after the U.S. announced it had captured and removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country.
“We are extremely concerned by reports that Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife were forcibly removed from the country during today’s aggressive actions by the United States,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We call for immediate clarification of this situation,” it added.
An earlier statement denounced what it called an “act of armed aggression against Venezuela” by the U.S., and said “excuses” given to justify such actions were “untenable.”
Jan 03, 2026 at 07:36 AM EST
Maduro indicted in New York – U.S. Attorney General
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores have been formally indicted in the Southern District of New York.
According to Bondi, Maduro faces multiple charges, including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
In a statement posted on X, Bondi said: "They will soon face the full force of American justice—on American soil, in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. Department of Justice, I want to thank President Trump for his courage in demanding accountability for the American people, and extend a huge thank you to our brave military for executing an incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco-traffickers."
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Jan 03, 2026 at 07:33 AM EST
US Air Force deactivates transponders
The U.S. Air Force disabled virtually all flight tracking transponders in the wake of the strikes, according to FlightRadar data.
Not a single one of its flights could be seen on the live flight tracker, which shows air traffic in real time.
Jan 03, 2026 at 07:18 AM EST
More images of aftermath
In one image, soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas.
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In another, smoke rises at La Carlota airport after the loud bangs were heard.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 07:03 AM EST
Russia and Iran condemn U.S. strikes on Venezuela
Russia and Iran have denounced U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and President Trump’s announcement of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Iran labeled the attack a “flagrant violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to AFP.
Russia’s foreign ministry described the strikes as “an act of armed aggression against Venezuela,” calling the move “deeply concerning and condemnable,” Reuters reported.
“The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded,” the statement added, urging the prevention of “further escalation,” renewed dialogue, and supporting calls for an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting.
Jan 03, 2026 at 07:00 AM EST
South America holds its breath as Colombia deploys forces to Venezuelan border
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the deployment of public forces along the Venezuelan border after a national security council meeting that began at 3:00 a.m. ET.
Petro has consistently urged peace and dialogue since the first explosions were reported in Caracas.
Colombia and Venezuela share a land border stretching over 2,000 kilometers. Historically, economic and security crises in both nations have driven millions to seek refuge across this frontier.
Jan 03, 2026 at 06:45 AM EST
List of sites targeted by US in Venezuela: What we know
Open-source reports have identified at least five sites targeted by U.S. strikes in Venezuela following an operation in which President Donald Trump announced the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
David Smolansky, spokesperson for opposition leader María Corina Machado, told CBS News that the locations included Fuerte Tiuna—the main military base in Caracas—La Carlota, the capital’s primary airbase, El Volcán, a signal antenna, and La Guaira Port on the Caribbean coast.
Additionally, OSINT Defender reported on X that Higuerote Airport/Airbase in Miranda State was also among the targets.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 06:28 AM EST
Maduro will ‘stand trial on criminal charges in the U.S.’ – Senator
Venezuela's leader has "been arrested by U.S. personnel" and now due to stand trial "on criminal charges in the United States," according to U.S. Senator Mike Lee, citing a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Republican Congressman of Utah had previously expressed skepticism about the legality of Trump's move, saying in a post on X: "I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force."
The Senator later said he spoke with Secretary Rubio, who confirmed "no further action" would be taken in Venezuela "now that Maduro is in U.S. custody."
Taking to X, Lee said: "Just got off the phone with Secretary Rubio. He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant. This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack."
He added: "He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in U.S. custody."
Jan 03, 2026 at 06:17 AM EST
More images of strikes’ aftermath
More images are coming in of the aftermath of the U.S. strikes on Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, has now confirmed ground strikes against Caracas.
One shows fire and smoke at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas.
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Another shows a night view of Caracas taken after a series of explosions was heard.
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And this image shows a vehicle burning at La Carlota air base in Caracas.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 06:07 AM EST
Deputy Secretary of State hails ‘new dawn for Venezuela’
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has hailed a "new dawn for Venezuela" after U.S. strikes on the South American nation on Saturday.
He said in a post on X: "A new dawn for Venezuela! The tyrant is gone. He will now—finally—face justice for his crimes."
Jan 03, 2026 at 06:01 AM EST
Republican Congresswoman praises U.S. military action in Venezuela
A Republican U.S. Congresswoman has hailed the end of the "narco-terror imposed by the Maduro regime" after U.S. strikes on Venezuela on Saturday.
Representative María Elvira Salazar of Florida wrote on X: "The narco-terror imposed by the Maduro regime is over, thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Now it’s time for the rightful leaders of Venezuela to restore freedom and rebuild the nation. Tonight, a new cry of freedom echoes across the hemisphere: loud, clear, and unstoppable. ¡Viva la libertad!"
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:53 AM EST
Trump’s strike on Venezuela was ‘unjustified’ – Democratic Congressman
A Democratic Congressman has claimed, "Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela."
Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said: "Without authorization from Congress, and with the vast majority of Americans opposed to military action, Trump just launched an unjustified, illegal strike on Venezuela. He says we don’t have enough money for healthcare for Americans—but somehow we have unlimited funds for war??"
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:43 AM EST
Democratic Congresswoman condemns ‘illegal’ stikes
Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico has claimed Trump "does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress."
Taking to X, she said: "The White House is confirming U.S. military operations in Venezuela tonight. Let us be clear: these strikes are illegal. The President does not have the authority to declare war or undertake large-scale military operations without Congress. Congress must act to rein him in. Immediately."
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:38 AM EST
Details still unclear on number of casualties from strikes
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said the government is gathering details on casualties and claimed the strikes targeted civilian areas.
He vowed that Venezuela will “resist” any foreign military presence.
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:23 AM EST
Maduro captured by U.S. Army Delta Force – CBS
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was taken into custody early Saturday by members of Delta Force, the U.S. military’s elite special operations unit, according to U.S. officials speaking to CBS News.
Delta Force, renowned for high-risk missions, previously led the 2019 operation that killed former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Jan 03, 2026 at 05:14 AM EST
In pictures: Caracas military sites in smoke and flames
Images posted on social media show what appear to be the impact of the U.S. strikes on Venezuelan military sites.
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Jan 03, 2026 at 05:07 AM EST
Americans told to shelter in place, leave Venezuela immediately when safe after atrikes
The U.S. State Department urged American citizens in Venezuela to shelter in place early Saturday following the explosions near Caracas.
In an advisory posted online, officials said the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, is monitoring the situation and “aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas.”
The warning comes amid longstanding travel advisories for Venezuela, citing risks such as wrongful detention, torture, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.
Citizens have been told to take action: "Do not travel to Venezuela. U.S. citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place and depart immediately when it is safe to do so."
Jan 03, 2026 at 04:35 AM EST
Trump says Maduro has been captured and confirms U.S. carried out ‘large-scale strike’
Venezuela's President has been captured and flown out of the country with his wife, Cilla Flores, according to President Donald Trump, who confirmed the U.S. has carried out a "large-scale strike" against Caracas early Saturday morning.
Taking to Truth Social, he said: "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.
"This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Jan 03, 2026 at 04:21 AM EST
Trump gave green light for strikes days beforehand – CBS
Trump authorized U.S. military land strikes in Venezuela several days before the operation took place, according to two officials who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity due to national security concerns.
Military planners initially considered launching the mission on Christmas Day, but U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria were prioritized, the sources said.
Additional strike windows opened in the days following Christmas, but the operation was delayed due to unfavorable weather. Officials noted that weather conditions needed to be optimal to ensure mission success.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for a response to these reports.
Jan 03, 2026 at 04:11 AM EST
Maduro claims strikes were attempt to ‘seize oil and minerals’
A statement from President Maduro claims the attacks on Caracas were an attempt to "seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals" and "forcibly break the nation's political independence".
Maduro has "signed and ordered the implementation of the Decree declaring a state of external commotion throughout the national territory."
He added that "all social and political forces in the country" should "activate mobilization plans and condemn this imperialist attack."
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Jan 03, 2026 at 04:02 AM EST
Cuba responds to ‘bombings and acts of war against Caracas’
Cuba’s Foreign Minister has condemned what he described as "ongoing military aggression by the US against Venezuela."
Taking to X, Bruno Rodriguez said: "We strongly condemn the ongoing military aggression by the US against Venezuela. The bombings and acts of war against Caracas and other locations in the country are cowardly acts against a nation that has not attacked the US or any other country."
Jan 03, 2026 at 03:51 AM EST
Trump ordered strikes on Venezuelan military sites – CBS
U.S. officials have told CBS News that President Donald Trump ordered the strikes on Venezuelan military sites.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment when approached by Newsweek.
Jan 03, 2026 at 03:44 AM EST
Venezuelan government responds to strikes
An official statement from the Venezuelan government has just been released.
It reads: "Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory."
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