By Edo Updates Staff
January 3, 2026 – In a historic and unprecedented geopolitical development, the United States military has executed a large-scale operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, First Lady Cilia Flores.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, marks one of the most significant foreign interventions in Latin America in decades.
Trump Announces “Large-Scale Strike”
US President Donald Trump confirmed the mission in a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after reports of explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote.
While the White House has not yet disclosed the specific location where Maduro is being held, US Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) stated that he had been briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, confirming that Maduro is in US custody and is expected to “stand trial on criminal charges.”
Details of the Operation
According to preliminary reports from US officials speaking to major networks including CBS and Fox News, the operation was spearheaded by the US Army’s elite Delta Force. The raid reportedly targeted key command centers in Caracas following months of escalating tensions.
Witnesses in Caracas described hearing low-flying aircraft and a series of loud explosions around 2:00 AM local time. The US has maintained a significant naval presence in the Caribbean since late 2025 under “Operation Southern Spear,” citing anti-narcotics efforts as the primary objective.
Maduro was indicted by the US Department of Justice in 2020 on charges of “narco-terrorism,” with the US government previously offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.
Venezuela Declares State of Emergency
The Venezuelan government has condemned the operation as a “brutal imperialist attack.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, addressing the nation on state television, demanded immediate “proof of life” for President Maduro and his wife.
“We are unaware of the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and the First Lady,” Rodríguez said. “We demand that the Trump administration provide immediate proof of life.”
In response to the raid, Venezuela has declared a “state of external disturbance” and a national emergency, ordering the mobilization of the armed forces and calling on citizens to take to the streets in defense of national sovereignty.
Global Implications and Oil Markets
This development is expected to send shockwaves through the global energy market. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. With the country’s leadership now in a vacuum, uncertainty regarding oil exports could lead to significant volatility in crude oil prices—a situation that Nigerian policymakers and energy stakeholders will be watching closely.
International reaction has been swift and divided. Allies of the Maduro administration, including leaders in Cuba and Colombia, have already condemned the US action, while opposition figures within Venezuela have remained largely silent as the situation unfolds.
Edo Updates will continue to monitor this developing story and provide more details as they become available.
For more breaking international news and local updates, visit www.edoupdates.com.
