Multiple explosions echoed through Caracas, the capital, and low-flying aircraft patrolled the skies as Maduro’s administration quickly charged the United States with attacking civilian and military targets. The Venezuelan government denounced it as an “imperialist attack” and called on citizens to protest in the streets.
The situation was chaotic, with uncertainty surrounding who was in control of the country and the location of Maduro. Trump shared the news on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 am ET. According to Venezuelan law, the vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, would assume power, although there was no immediate confirmation that this had occurred. She did, however, release a statement following the strike.
“We are unaware of the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” Rodriguez stated. “We demand proof of life.” Trump claimed that Maduro, alongside his wife, had been captured and flown out of the country, stating that this operation was conducted in collaboration with US Law Enforcement, with more details to follow. A news conference was scheduled for later that Saturday morning.
The legal ramifications of the strike under US law were not immediately clear. Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah, indicated on X that he had spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who briefed him about the strike. Rubio informed Lee that Maduro “has been arrested by US personnel, set to face criminal charges in the United States.” The White House had yet to provide information on Maduro and his wife’s destination. Maduro was indicted in March 2020 on “narco-terrorism” conspiracy charges in the Southern District of New York.
Maduro was last seen on state television Friday while meeting with a delegation of Chinese officials in Caracas.
At least seven explosions shook Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, on the morning of the third day of 2026, prompting people to rush into the streets and others to report the blasts on social media. It was unclear if there were any casualties on either side. The attack lasted for less than 30 minutes, with speculation regarding potential further actions. However, Trump mentioned in his post that the strikes were executed “successfully.” The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on US commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity” preceding the explosions.
The strike followed months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration on Maduro. The CIA was responsible for a drone strike last week on a docking area linked to Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since US strikes began in September.
For months, Trump had warned that he might soon authorize strikes against targets in Venezuela following numerous attacks on boats suspected of transporting drugs. Maduro has criticized US military operations as a covert attempt to remove him from power.
Below are reactions to Saturday’s U.S. strikes on Venezuela.
RUSSIA FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“This morning, the United States committed an act of armed aggression against Venezuela, which is deeply concerning and condemnable.”
“The justifications used for such actions are unfounded. Ideological animosity has taken precedence over business pragmatism and the willingness to foster trust and predictability in relationships.”
“In this context, it is vital to avert further escalation and seek a resolution through dialogue.”
“Latin America must remain a zone of peace, as declared in 2014. Venezuela must be allowed to determine its own future without destructive, especially military, interference from outside.”
“We endorse the Venezuelan authorities and Latin American leaders’ call for an immediate UN Security Council meeting.”
IRAN’S SUPREME LEADER AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI:
“What’s crucial is that when one realizes the enemy is arrogantly attempting to impose something on the country and its leadership, one must stand firmly against that enemy and resist. We will not submit.”
“Trusting in Almighty God and the people’s support, with divine grace, we will bring the enemy to its knees.”
SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTRY:
“Spain calls for de-escalation and moderation, emphasizing that actions must always align with international law and the principles set forth in the UN Charter.”
“In this regard, Spain offers its good offices to help achieve a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the current crisis.”
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR:
“Earlier this morning, Saturday, January 3, 2026, the United States initiated military operations within Venezuela.”
“Trinidad and Tobago does NOT participate in any of these military actions and continues to maintain peaceful relations with the Venezuelan people.”
RODERICH KIESEWETTER, PROMINENT MP FROM GERMANY’S CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC UNION:
“With President Trump, the U.S. is abandoning the rules-based order established since 1945.”
“The coup in Venezuela signals a return to an antiquated U.S. doctrine predating 1940: a mentality governed by spheres of influence, where might makes right instead of international law.”
“Trump is eroding any remaining trust in the U.S.”
ITALIAN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER GIUSEPPE CONTE:
“The American aggression against Venezuela lacks a legal basis. This is a blatant violation of international law, underscoring the dominance of the strongest militarily… I hope the international community will raise its voice and recognize that if rules apply only to enemies and not friends, no one can feel secure. An illiberal government’s rule does not justify an attack on a sovereign state.”
INDONESIA’S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON, YVONNE MEWENGKANG:
Indonesia is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela to ensure the safety of its citizens.
“Indonesia calls on all parties involved to prioritize peaceful resolutions through de-escalation and dialogue while safeguarding civilian protection.”
“Indonesia stresses the importance of adhering to international law and the UN Charter principles.”
BELGIUM’S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER MAXIME PREVOT:
“The safety of our citizens is our top priority. Our embassy in Bogotá, responsible for Venezuela, and our services in Brussels are fully mobilized. The situation is under close observation, in cooperation with our European partners.”
