The US has captured President Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of Venezuela following a large scale strike on the South American country, Donald Trump has said, in a major escalation in tensions between the two nations.
US attorney general Pamela Bondi said Mr Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York and charged with several offences including Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy.
Venezuela said it rejected “military aggression” by the US, and said the goal of the attack is to “take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals”.
At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen in Venezuela’s capital in the early hours of Saturday morning, as its government said the US had attacked civilian and military sites in multiple states.
In a Truth Social post hours after the attack, Trump said: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.”
Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez said location of Maduro and his wife, is unknown, adding: “We demand proof of life.”
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Key Points
- Venezuelan president indicted in New York
- Trump says Venezuela president 'captured' after strikes
- US embassy tells citizens to 'shelter in place'
- Maduro to stand trial in US
- Where have the attacks taken place? - Mapped
- Explosions and low-flying aircraft are heard in Venezuela's capital
Maduro and wife were captured at home, Venezuelan official says
14:22 , Athena StavrouVenezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernández has said Maduro and his wife were at their home within the Fort Tiuna military installation when they were captured.
“That's where they bombed,” he said. “And, there, they carried out what we could call a kidnapping of the president and the first lady of the country.”
Recap: Everything you need to know
14:08 , Athena StavrouIt’s 10am in Venezuela and 9am in the US, with many around the globe waking up to news of a large scale US attack on Venezuela.
If you’re joining us now, here is what you need to know:
- At least seven explosions and low-flying aircrafts were seen in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and rising smoke was spotted in numerous regions at approximately 2am.
- The Venezuelan government said attacks took place on civilian and military installations in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
- Hours later, Donald Trump confirmed the strikes were carried out by the US.
- The US president said Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country.
- Venezuela said it rejected “military aggression” by the US, and said the goal of the attack is to “take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals”.
- The strike came after months of escalated pressure on Mr Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the US.
- The operation was largely condemned by world leaders, including Venezuelan allies Iran and Russia.
Vance: Maduro was offered multiple off ramps
13:59 , Athena StavrouUS vice president JD Vance has spoken out after the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
“The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States,” he wrote on X.
“Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says. Kudos to our brave special operators who pulled off a truly impressive operation.”
The president offered multiple off ramps, but was very clear throughout this process: the drug trafficking must stop, and the stolen oil must be returned to the United States. Maduro is the newest person to find out that President Trump means what he says.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 3, 2026
Kudos to our brave… pic.twitter.com/b1fqkdbB4x
Pictured: Aftermath of attack on Venezuelan military base
13:42 , Athena Stavrou UK advises against all travel to Venezuela
13:31 , Athena StavrouThe UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against all travel to Venezuela and warned Britons in the South American nation to shelter.
It said this comes after: “On 3 January, Venezuelan authorities announced a ‘state of external commotion’ due to air strikes on targets across the country. This could lead to closure of Venezuelan borders and airspace.”
The warning added: “FCDO advises against all travel to Venezuela. If you are a British National already living or travelling in Venezuela, you should shelter in place, but be prepared to change your plans quickly if necessary.
“Regularly review your departure options and make sure your travel documents are valid and accessible.
“You should have a ‘personal emergency plan’, including practical steps for leaving the country or staying safe during a crisis, that does not depend on support from the UK government.”
Venezuela-US timeline: How Trump ramped up pressure on Caracas before airstrikes and Maduro capture
13:20 , Athena Stavrou How Trump ramped up pressure on Venezuela before airstrikes and Maduro capture
What has the US accused Maduro of?
13:09 , Athena StavrouThe Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been indicted in New York.
Mr Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
It follows claims from the US president Donald Trump that he was leading drug cartels.
Maduro has continuously denied the allegations, and said the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through its campaign.
There have also been claims made against the legitimacy of Maduro’s leadership.
He was sworn in for a third term in January 2025 following a 2024 election that was broadly condemned as fraudulent by international observers and the opposition, leading to the imprisonment of thousands who protested the declared victory.
Keir Starmer says he wants to ‘establish the facts’ but adds ‘we should all uphold international law’
12:55 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Keir Starmer said he had yet to speak to Donald Trump about the events in Venezuela but added “we should all uphold international law”.
He told broadcasters: “It’s obviously a fast-moving situation and we need to establish all the facts.
“What I can say is that the UK was not involved in this operation. As you can expect, we are focusing on British nationals in Venezuela and working very closely with our Embassy.
“And so I would want to talk to the President, and I would want to talk to allies for the moment. I think we need to establish the facts.”
He said that “hopefully more information will come out” when President Trump holds a press conference later.
Asked if he condemned the US’s actions, he said: “Well, I want to establish the facts. First, I want to speak to President Trump. I want to speak to allies, as I say I can be absolutely clear that we were not involved in that. And as you know, I always say, and believe we should all uphold international law. But I think at this stage, it’s a fast-moving situation, establish the facts and take it from there.”
He also said there were around 500 Brits there in Venezuela “and we’re working with the Embassy to make sure they are well looked after – safeguarded and get appropriate advice”.
Colombia sends security forces to Venezuelan border
12:35 , Athena StavrouColombia’s president Gustavo Petro said the Colombian government convened a national security meeting before dawn on Saturday and sent security forces to the border in preparation for a potential "massive influx of refugees" from neighbouring Venezuela.
He said he would also call on the UN Security Council to consider "the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America".
"Without sovereignty, there is no nation," Mr Petro wrote on social media.
Venezuelan president indicted in New York
12:32 , Athena StavrouThe Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been indicted in New York.
US attorney general Pamela Bondi said Mr Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.” she wrote on X.
“On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.”
Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess…
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) January 3, 2026
UK not involved in strikes, says Starmer
12:29 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has responded to the US operation in Venezuela early on Saturday morning.
The prime minister said the UK “was not involved in any way” with the strikes.
He added he wants to talk to Donald Trump about the operation, which saw the Venezuelan president captured.
Spanish PM: International law must be respected
12:10 , Athena StavrouSpain’s prime minister has said international law “must be respected” after US strikes on Venezuela.
Pedro Sánchez said the Spanish Government is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
“Our embassy and consulates are operational,” he wrote on X.
“We call for a gradual easing of restrictions and for responsible action. International law and the principles of the UN Charter must be respected.”
El Gobierno de España está haciendo un seguimiento exhaustivo de los acontecimientos en Venezuela. Nuestra embajada y consulados están operativos.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 3, 2026
Hacemos un llamamiento a la desescalada y a la responsabilidad. Hay que respetar el Derecho Internacional y los principios de la…
Trump calls military operation 'brilliant'
11:56 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump has made some of his first remarks to media after the US launched strikes and captured the Venezuelan president.
“It was a brilliant operation, actually,” he told the New York Times.
He told the newspaper: "A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people."
Pictured: Plumes of smoke and fire seen after US strikes on Venezuela
11:42 , Athena Stavrou Venezuelan oil production not damaged, state run company says
11:29 , Athena StavrouVenezuelan state-run energy company said its oil production and refining were not affected by the strikes.
PDVSA said its most important facilities had suffered no damage according to an initial assessment, two sources said.
The port of La Guaira near capital Caracas, one of the country's largest but one which is not used for oil operations, was reported to have suffered severe damage, one of the sources said.
Why has Trump attacked Venezuela?
11:17 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Shaheena Uddin reports:
From claims of drug-smuggling, issues with immigration of alleged criminals, as well as Venezuela’s natural oil-rich resources, there are many factors at play which could point to the reasons behind the American attacks.
Over the past few months, Trump has accused Maduro of being a top-level member of a drug cartel, “Cartel de los Soles”, which he claims is trafficking drugs into the US. Trump has not shared evidence of Maduro’s involvement but has used these allegations to justify his lethal military operations against Venezuelan ships.
There is also the question of natural resources. Venezuela is rich in oil and rare earth minerals, which serve as extremely valuable commodities. The South American country has $1.36 trillion worth of mineral wealth, according to Maduro.
After the US seized an oil tanker in December, Caracas directly accused the US of trying to plunder Venezuela for its natural resources.
Russia condemns US 'act of armed aggression'
11:12 , Athena StavrouVenezuela's allies have rushed to condemn US military action against the country after explosions rocked the capital Caracas this morning.
In a statement, Russia's foreign ministry criticised what is called "an act of armed aggression" and said Caracas "must be guaranteed the right to determine its own destiny without any destructive, let alone military, outside intervention".
"Ideologically driven hostility has prevailed over practical pragmatism and a willingness to build relations based on trust and predictability,” they said.
“We reaffirm our solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our support for the course pursued by its Bolivarian leadership to defend the country’s national interests and sovereignty,” it added.
Vladimir Putin is a close ally of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has been captured by the US. Last year, Maduro visited Moscow for Russia's annual military parade and signed a broad partnership agreement with the Russian leader.
Iran's foreign ministry also condemned the strikes, saying the action was "a blatant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Flight radar shows no planes over Venezuela as explosions rock nation after US strikes
10:53 , Athena StavrouMaduro to stand trial, senator says
10:39 , Athena StavrouA Republican senator has claimed the secretary of state told him Nicolas Maduro will stand trial on criminal charges in the US.
Mike Lee said on Saturday that he was told by Marco Rubio that the Venezuelan President was arrested by US forces and is to stand trial on criminal charges.
"He (Rubio) anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody," Lee wrote on X following a call.
Just got off the phone with @SecRubio
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 3, 2026
He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant… https://t.co/lXCxhPoKSZ
US official says Maduro will 'face justice' following capture
10:25 , Athena StavrouUS officials have said Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro will “face justice” after he was captured by US forces.
US president Donald Trump said earlier that Maduro had been taken out of the country following strikes.
US deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau said Maduro will "finally face justice for his crimes."
Venezuela demands 'proof of life' of president
10:08 , Athena StavrouThe Venezuelan government has confirmed that Maduro has been captured.
Venezuelan vice president Delcy Rodriguez says location of Maduro, wife, is unknown, adding: “We demand proof of life.”
Pictured: Venezuela's largest military complex on fire after strikes
09:47 , Athena Stavrou Trump says Venezuela president 'captured' after strikes
09:27 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump has claimed the Venezuelan president has been “captured and flown out of the country” as he confirmed the US launched an attack.
In a Truth Social post, the US president said: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.”
He said t here will be a press conference at 11am at Mar-a-Lago.
US embassy tells citizens to 'shelter in place'
09:20 , Athena StavrouThe US embassy in Colombia has said it is aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas, and told citizens to “shelter in place”.
It warned US citizens not to travel to Venezuela and advised to establish multiple methods of communication with friends and family outside of Venezuela.
Iran condemns attack on Venezuela
09:11 , Athena StavrouIran has condemned an attack on Venezuela as a “blatant violation of it’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
Iranian state television reported on the explosions in Caracas on Saturday, showing images of the Venezuelan capital.
Iran has been close to Venezuela for years, in part due to their shared enmity of the US.
US aviation authority bans flights over Venezuela
08:57 , Athena StavrouThe US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) banned bans US commercial flights in Venezuela airspace over "ongoing military activity" ahead of explosions in Caracas.
The FAA's warning, known as a "notice to airmen", came shortly after 1am on the east coast of the US.
It warned all commercial and private US pilots that the airspace over Venezuela and the small island nation of Curacao, just off the coast of the country to the north, was off-limits "due to safety-of-flight risks associated with ongoing military activity".
The warnings are designed to alert pilots to a variety of dangers.
Venezuelan government: 'People to the streets!'
08:45 , Athena StavrouVenezuela's government, in the statement, called on its supporters to take to the streets following explosions on Saturday.
“People to the streets!” the statement said. “The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.”
The statement added that President Nicolas Maduro had “ordered all national defense plans to be implemented” and declared “a state of external disturbance.”
The state of emergency gives him the power to suspend people's rights and expand the role of the armed forces.
Watch: Venezuela shaken by series of explosions in capital Caracas
08:39 , Athena StavrouUS carrying out strikes in Venezuela, US official says
08:25 , Athena StavrouThe United States is carrying out strikes in Venezuela, a US official has confirmed
The official, who was speaking on the condition ‹of anonymity, did not provide details to Reuters.
Live: TV broadcast in Venezuela as loud noises heard amid US tensions
08:23 , Athena StavrouWhere have the attacks taken place?
08:09 , Athena StavrouAt least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Venezuela’s capital in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Venezuelan government said attacks took place civilian and military installations in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
Venezuela blames Trump for strikes as huge explosions heard in capital
07:57 , Athena StavrouVenezuela has accused the United States of launching an attack after at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in it’s capital.
The Venezuelan government said attacks took place in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
It said it rejected “military aggression” by the US, and said the goal of the attack is to “take possession of Venezuelan oil and minerals”.
The Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pictured: Explosions seen in Caracas
07:50 , Athena Stavrou Explosions come amid heightened US-Venezuelan tensions
07:47 , Athena StavrouThe explosions come amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump had threatened for months that he could soon order strikes on targets on Venezuelan land, as the US military has been targeting over recent months boats they claim to be drug-smuggling.
The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area they say have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels in what was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the US began strikes on boats in September.
The country's President Nicolas Maduro also said in a pre-taped interview aired on Thursday that the US wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves.
Mr Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism in the US.
Explosions and low-flying aircraft are heard in Venezuela's capital
07:39 , Athena StavrouAt least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft have been heard in Venezuela’s capital.
The explosions were witnessed by residents who rushed to the streets at around 2am local time in Caracas.
Some explosions could be seen in the distance from various areas of Caracas.