BREAKING:

The U.S. just launched a large number of airstrikes against Venezuela.

Important military targets are being hit in several locations across the country.

BREAKING: U.S. Launches Widespread Airstrikes on Venezuela — Maduro Captured

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a dramatic and unprecedented large-scale military operation against Venezuela, striking multiple key military and strategic locations across the country in the early hours of the morning.

Explosions Rock Caracas and Other Regions

Explosions were reported around 2:00 a.m. local time in Caracas — the Venezuelan capital — and in regions including Miranda, La Guaira, and Aragua, as loud detonations and aircraft activity shook the cities. Videos and eyewitness accounts showed smoke, fires, and widespread chaos across several districts.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a flight advisory prohibiting American aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace amid “ongoing military activity.” The U.S. Embassy also advised U.S. citizens to shelter in place.

Targets Hit Across Venezuela

According to reports, U.S. forces struck multiple confirmed locations, including:

• La Carlota Air Base (Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base) — a key military installation in Caracas.

• Fuerte Tiuna — Venezuela’s largest military complex.

• Port La Guaira — the country’s main Caribbean port.

• Higuerote Airport region — strategic airfield outside the capital.

These strikes appear to have been coordinated to degrade Venezuelan military capabilities and establish control over critical infrastructure.

Maduro and First Lady Reportedly Captured

In an extraordinary turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces during the operation and flown out of Venezuela. They are reportedly aboard a U.S. naval vessel — the USS Iwo Jima — being transported to New York, where Maduro is expected to face charges including drug-related crimes and narcoterrorism based on a long-standing U.S. indictment.

No immediate confirmation has come from Venezuelan authorities about Maduro’s exact location, and Venezuela’s vice president has demanded proof of life.

State of Emergency Declared in Venezuela

In response to the attacks, the Venezuelan government declared a national state of emergency, denouncing the U.S. action as “military aggression” and a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty. President Maduro’s government has urged citizens and allied groups to mobilize in defense of the nation.

International Reactions Pour In

The global diplomatic response has been swift:

• China condemned the strikes, calling them a “flagrant violation” of Venezuelan sovereignty.

• Russia labeled the action as an act of armed aggression.

• Several Latin American leaders and international organizations have expressed deep concern, and some have called for urgent United Nations intervention.

These reactions underscore the seriousness of the crisis and the risk of broader geopolitical fallout.

Legal Questions and Political Backlash

Legal experts and some U.S. lawmakers have questioned the constitutional authority behind the airstrikes, noting that the operation appears to have proceeded without explicit congressional approval. Critics argue that unilaterally launching military force inside a sovereign state — especially one not at war with the U.S. — raises profound legal and ethical issues under international law.

What Happens Next?

With President Maduro in U.S. custody and Venezuelan institutions in turmoil, the future of Venezuela hangs in the balance. The U.S. has hinted it may play a role in shaping the country’s political transition, but the exact plan remains unclear. Meanwhile, Venezuelans face uncertainty, possible resistance, and the threat of further conflict within their borders.

This story is developing rapidly, and more verified details are expected in the coming hours.