Trump: Maduro 'Captured and Flown Out Of' Venezuela
Share this @internewscast.com

In a surprising development on Saturday morning, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been “captured and flown out of the country.” The announcement comes on the heels of several explosions that rocked the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

In a statement shared via Truth Social, President Trump announced, “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.” He promised more information would be shared during a press conference scheduled for later today at Mar-a-Lago.

The news of Maduro’s capture follows a series of what appeared to be airstrikes targeting various locations in Caracas and across different regions of Venezuela. These events have captured international attention and raised questions about the future of Venezuela’s political landscape.

The announcement was echoed by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who shared President Trump’s statement on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Nicolás Maduro, who has long held power in Venezuela through a series of disputed presidential elections, is currently wanted by U.S. authorities on numerous narco-terrorism charges. The United States has offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

Smoke raises at La Carlota airport after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Members of the presidential guard stand outside the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez)

In 2020, U.S. courts formally accused Maduro of being a central figure in the Cartel of the Suns, an international cocaine trafficking syndicate. This cartel, allegedly orchestrated by high-ranking members of the Venezuelan regime, aimed to “flood” the United States with cocaine as a strategy to undermine American society.

The Venezuelan socialist regime has not publicly commented on President Trump’s announcement at press time. The Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional reported that large swatches of Caracas remain without power as of early Saturday morning — with dozens of residents evacuating Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s main military complex.

For years, Fuerte Tiuna was believed to house Nicolás Maduro’s personal bunker, among other important facilities of the rogue regime. El Nacional also stated that La Carlota, Venezuela’s main military airport, was hit by the strikes.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López — who is also wanted by the U.S. on drug trafficking charges  — addressed the nation moments after the strikes through a video posted on Instagram, denouncing them as an “invasion” representing “the greatest outrage suffered by Venezuela.”

Padrino López rejected the narco-terrorism accusations and claimed that the strikes are part of a “regime change” operation to “submit” Venezuela to the “American Empire.” The video was published moments before President Trump’s announcement.

“Desperation is the invader’s ally. Let us avoid chaos and anarchy. They have attacked us, but they will not break us. We will prevail,” Padrino López said, calling for the international community to rally around Venezuela and condemn the United States.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Salt Lake City mass shooting: At least 8 people shot, 2 fatally, at LDS Mormon church in Salt Lake City, Utah, police say

Tragic Shooting at Salt Lake City LDS Church Leaves 2 Dead and 6 Injured, Authorities Report

In a tragic turn of events in Salt Lake City, two individuals…
Backlash erupts after city council appoints police review board member with murder conviction

Controversy Sparks Over City Council’s Choice for Police Review Board: Convicted Murderer Appointed

A contentious decision to appoint a convicted murderer to an Oregon city’s…
SoCal Wildfires: How You Can help

Southern California Wildfires: Essential Ways to Support Relief Efforts and Aid Recovery

As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating Eaton and Palisades…
Trump Calls for $1.5 Trillion to Build ‘Dream Military,’ Pay Down Debt, Give Dividend to ‘Moderate Income Patriots’

Trump Proposes $1.5 Trillion Initiative to Enhance Military, Address National Debt, and Support Middle-Income Citizens

President Donald Trump has proposed a significant boost to the 2027 military…
Hungary's Orbán says Budapest is Europe’s safest city for Jews as antisemitism surges

Hungary’s Orbán Highlights Budapest as a Safe Haven for Jewish Community Amid Rising Antisemitism in Europe

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently asserted that Budapest offers unparalleled safety…
Banjo Player Béla Fleck Cancels Kennedy Center Shows over 'Politics'

Renowned Banjo Virtuoso Béla Fleck Calls Off Kennedy Center Concerts Due to Political Dispute

Béla Fleck, the renowned banjo virtuoso, has decided to cancel his upcoming…
US seizes 2 sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic and the Caribbean

US Cracks Down on Sanctioned Oil Tankers: Major Seizures in North Atlantic and Caribbean Linked to Venezuela

The United States has recently taken control of two oil tankers linked…
Mamdani can bridge India/Pakistan split

Mamdani Poised to Mend India-Pakistan Relations

Mayor Mamdani’s election is being celebrated as a groundbreaking event, drawing attention…
911 call at Ohio dentist's home reported 'domestic dispute' months before he and wife found shot dead: records

Mysterious ‘Banging’ Report: The Chilling 911 Call Before Ohio Dentist Couple’s Tragic Deaths

Just a week and a half before an Ohio dentist and his…
Rep. Steny Hoyer will not run for re-election, reports say

Reports indicate that Rep. Steny Hoyer will not seek re-election

Hoyer ranks as the third-longest-tenured member of the House. WASHINGTON — Reports…
DHS Sec. Kristi Noem Drops Facts, Cooks Walz and Frey During Presser on MN Anti-ICE Incident

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Criticizes Minnesota Leaders Walz and Frey Over Anti-ICE Incident in Fiery Press Conference

In a dramatic turn of events, a left-wing protest in a Minnesota…
Disney is most-nominated at 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, Nat Geo and more

Disney Leads the Pack with Most Nominations at 37th GLAAD Media Awards Across ABC, Disney+, and More

GLAAD has unveiled the nominees for its 37th Annual Media Awards, with…