Amidst the ongoing tension with America, several big explosions shook Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Saturday morning (January 3, 2026). The Venezuelan government has condemned the US, accusing it of attacking its civilian and military installations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are now in America’s custody.

Maduro and his wife caught by US: Trump

Donald Trump claimed, ‘The United States has successfully launched a massive attack against Venezuela and its leader President Nicolas Maduro. Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and taken out of the country. This operation was done in collaboration with US Law Enforcement. Complete information regarding this will be given soon in a press conference.

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— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 3, 2026

Trump had warned of ground operation in Venezuela

US President Donald Trump had previously warned several times about the possibility of a ground operation in Venezuela as part of his strategy to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Only after these warnings, several explosions were heard in Venezuela. To exert pressure, the US President has increased sanctions on Venezuela, increased the US military presence in the area and accused ships of drug trafficking in both the Caribbean and the Pacific.

America wants to change government in Venezuela: Maduro

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said in a recorded interview on Thursday (1 December 2025) that the US wants to put pressure on Venezuela to change its government and gain access to its vast oil reserves. He had said that this campaign of pressure began in August with the large-scale US military deployment in the Caribbean Sea and has been continuing for several months.

America issued advisory for its citizens

America has issued an advisory for its citizens not to travel to Venezuela. It said, ‘Do not travel to Venezuela or stay there, otherwise you may be wrongfully detained and tortured. Kidnapping may also occur. There local laws can be misused against you.