In an extraordinary and unprecedented international development, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, have been reportedly captured by U.S. forces and flown out of Venezuela, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. This comes after a large-scale U.S. military strike in Venezuela early on January 3, 2026 — marking one of the most dramatic actions by the United States in Latin America in decades.

The U.S. operation, described as a coordinated strike across military and strategic sites in Caracas, was followed by Trump’s announcement that both Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and transported out of the country. Officials say Maduro will face criminal charges in the United States, including accusations linked to narco-terrorism.

In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded “proof of life”, saying neither Maduro nor Flores is currently accounted for in the country. The government condemned the attack as “military aggression” and called for national mobilization.

This shocking geopolitical event has sent shockwaves around the world — raising urgent questions about U.S.–Venezuela relations, regional stability, and the future of governance in Caracas. As the situation continues to evolve, stay tuned for updates on legal proceedings, international responses, and how this will impact Venezuela and beyond.