In an unexpected escalation between the United States and Venezuela that took place early Saturday, January 3, 2026, the U.S. reportedly carried out a large-scale military strike on Venezuelan military targets in and around Caracas. The action followed reports of multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft in the vicinity of the capital, sparking widespread panic among civilians. U.S. President Donald Trump announced via social media that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured by U.S. forces and removed from the country following the operation. Trump declared the mission a success, promising to share more details in a forthcoming press conference.
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