VENEZUELA IN CRISIS: U.S. MILITARY STRIKES, MADURO CAPTURE CLAIMED, GOVERNMENT DECLARES EMERGENCY
Caracas, Venezuela — January 3, 2026
Venezuela finds itself at the center of an extraordinary international crisis after the United States launched large-scale military strikes inside Venezuelan territory early Saturday, with U.S. officials claiming they have **captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Reuters and multiple international outlets report the strikes — involving explosions in Caracas and other strategic areas — represent the most direct U.S. military action in the region in decades. (CBS News)
U.S. Strikes and Maduro’s Fate Declared by Washington
According to statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, forces conducted a “large-scale strike” in Caracas that resulted in the capture of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, who were reportedly flown out of Venezuela. The U.S. says the operation targeted key military sites in the capital and was aimed at dismantling Maduro’s grip on power after months of escalating tensions. (AP News)
Explosions and low-flying aircraft were widely reported in Venezuela’s capital early Saturday, and witnesses described severe disruptions, including power outages and damage near major military installations. (The Washington Post)
Global Reaction and Regional Tensions
Reactions to the U.S. action have been swift and polarized. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as “military aggression,” declared a national emergency and called for mobilization of civilian and political sectors in response. Caracas maintains the action violates international law and Venezuelan sovereignty. (Reuters)
International responses have varied sharply: some governments criticized the U.S. for breaching sovereign territory, while others called for calm, higher diplomatic engagement, and verification of the claims regarding Maduro’s capture.
Political Prisoner Releases Amid Escalation
Just days before the current escalation, Venezuelan authorities released 99 people detained for allegedly participating in protests following the contested 2024 presidential election — the largest such prisoner release this year, according to official statements. Independent observers have questioned the transparency and scale of the releases. (The Indian Express)
Economic Strain and Social Hardship
Venezuela’s economy continues to reel under extreme pressure from hyperinflation and sanctions. Official exchange rates differ widely from black-market rates, where the bolívar has collapsed against the U.S. dollar, and inflation could exceed 500 %, squeezing household incomes and access to basic goods. U.S. sanctions targeting the Venezuelan oil sector and key tankers have further cut revenue for the oil-dependent nation.
Human rights organizations also highlight ongoing challenges: a severe humanitarian crisis leaves millions in need of assistance, while political repression and judicial crackdowns have drawn international scrutiny and criticism.
Military Posture and Regional Security
Tensions have been rising for months. Venezuelan authorities previously raised their military alert status in response to U.S. deployments, including warships and air assets stationed in the Caribbean and off the country’s coast. Venezuela has also conducted its own military exercises in recent months amid fears of direct intervention. (The Indian Express)
WHAT THIS MEANS
The dramatic spike in conflict marks a new and highly volatile chapter for Venezuela — a nation already grappling with political division, economic collapse and social upheaval. If confirmed, the capture of Maduro and foreign military involvement could reshape both domestic power structures and broader geopolitical dynamics in the Western Hemisphere.
Venezuelans remain on edge as reliable information continues to emerge, with questions swirling about civilian safety, governmental legitimacy, and international law. The coming hours and days will be
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