U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that the United States had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country following what he described as a large-scale military strike against Venezuela.
🚨#BREAKING: Reuters reports that U.S. ground forces and United States Air Force assets are currently on the ground and active in and around Caracas, Venezuela. Multiple explosions have been reported and observed across the capital as operations continue. pic.twitter.com/96mTpvxmQX
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 3, 2026
In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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.”
The claim comes amid reports of multiple explosions rocking Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, heightening uncertainty over the situation on the ground.
Explosions and Power Outages Reported in Caracas
Earlier on Saturday, loud explosions were heard across Caracas, with Reuters witnesses reporting that at least seven blasts echoed through the city. The southern part of the capital, near a major military base, was also left without power following the incident.
Associated Press reported that low-flying aircraft were seen over the city around the time of the explosions. Unverified visuals circulating on social media appeared to capture flashes in the sky as the blasts occurred.
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People in several neighbourhoods reportedly ran out into the streets, while Bloomberg said residents also heard gunfire in multiple parts of the capital.
US Administration Aware of Reports
According to CBS News, officials in the Trump administration are aware of reports of explosions and aircraft activity over Caracas early Saturday, citing sources. However, neither the Venezuelan government nor the Pentagon in the United States has officially commented on the explosions or on Trump’s claim regarding Maduro’s capture.
The developments come amid sharply escalating tensions between Venezuela and the United States. The Trump administration has previously taken actions against the government of President Maduro, including the seizure of oil tankers and at least one airstrike on land.
Trump has repeatedly warned of possible ground strikes against Venezuela as part of efforts to push Maduro to step down, alongside the imposition of tougher sanctions.
Separately, the US military has conducted a series of strikes on boats accused of drug smuggling in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. According to details released by the US military, this maritime campaign has killed at least 107 people in no fewer than 30 strikes.
Maduro Has Denied Allegations
Prior to Saturday’s developments, Maduro had strongly rejected allegations linking his government to criminal activity. He has accused the United States of attempting to remove him from power to gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves and rare earth mineral resources.
As of now, there has been no independent confirmation of Trump’s claim that Maduro and his wife have been captured and removed from Venezuela, and the situation remains fluid.
