Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Trump Claims Maduro ‘Captured & Flown Out’ While Venezuela Demands Proof of Life
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Tensions between Venezuela and the United States escalated sharply over the weekend after explosions shook Caracas. The US embassy closed since 2019 issued an urgent warning to Americans in the Country. Venezuela accused the United States of orchestrating the attacks to seize the nations oil and mineral resources while official confirmation of US involvement is still pending, reports have surfaced that President Donald Trump authorised strikes on Venezuela military targets including in the capital.
Venezuelan Government Accuses US, Declares National Emergency
Venezuela’s government denounced the action as military aggression with President Nicolas Maduro declaring a state of national emergency. President Nicolas Maduro called on political and social organizations to mobilize nationwide, urging unity and vigilance to safeguard national sovereignty. Officials have not provided details on casualties, damage or those responsible for the blasts.
US Flight Restrictions Add to Security Concerns
Further escalating the situation, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ban on American commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace, citing ongoing military activity. The restriction came shortly before reports of the explosions, raising alarm over aviation safety in the region.
Security forces continue to guard strategic installations across Caracas as residents and the international community await clarity on whether the explosions represent an isolated incident or a broader escalation.
What We Know
- US President Donald Trump says a “large-scale strike” was carried out in Venezuela.
- Trump claims President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
- CBS News reports that the operation was conducted by the US Army’s Delta Force.
- Venezuela has declared a state of national emergency and condemned the action as a military aggression.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Senator Mike Lee, expects no further military action against Venezuela.
- This marks the largest US military deployment in the Americas since the Cold War following weeks of rising tensions.
What We Don’t Know
- The current location of Maduro and his wife.
- Whether the strikes caused any casualties or deaths.
- The extent of damage to Venezuelan infrastructure or areas affected.
- The total number of strikes and their exact locations.
- The full reasoning behind Trump’s decision more details are expected at his 16:00 GMT news conference.
- How the situation will develop next with uncertainty over regional and international responses.
Live Updates
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17:46 (IST) 03 Jan 2026
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Venezuela's Interior Minister Vows Resilience after US Strikes
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on Saturday that the country will overcome the US strikes which reportedly led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
"This is not our first battle against our people, we have managed to survive under all circumstances" Cabello told local television.
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17:28 (IST) 03 Jan 2026
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Russia Deems Maduro's Reported Capture by US 'Unacceptable'
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Russia expressed deep concern on Saturday over reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his were forcibly removed from the country by the United States.
In a statement cited by Reuters, the Russian Foreign Ministry said "We call for immediate clarification of this situation. Such actions, if they did indeed take place, constitute an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an independent state, respect for which is a key principle of international law."
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17:14 (IST) 03 Jan 2026
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: US Officials Say Maduro to Face Criminal Charges in the United States
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Utah Senator Mike Lee reported on Saturday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been arrested by US personnel and will stand trial on criminal charges in the United States.
Lee wrote on X that the military operation was carried out to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant, adding that the action likely falls within the president's authority under Article II of the US Constitution to safeguard American personnel from imminent threats.
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17:08 (IST) 03 Jan 2026
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: EU Calls for Restraint & Respect for International Law in Venezuela
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: The European Union urged restraint and adherence to international law following US President Donald Trump's announcement that US forces Nicolas Maduro.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas wrote on X that while the bloc has long questioned Maduro's legitimacy and supported a peaceful transition "under all circumstances, the principles of international law and the UN Charter must be respected. We call for restraint." She added that her comments followed discussions with US counterpart Marco Rubio.
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16:52 (IST) 03 Jan 2026
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: Why the US Took Military Action in Venezuela
Venezuela-US Tensions LIVE Updates: The reported US military operation against Venezuela which allegedly led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife has been linked to several factors. These include drug smuggling, large scale migration into the United States and the policies of Maduro's Communist government. According to Reuters, President Donald Trump had previously pressured Maduro to leave power saying it would be smart for him to step down. The US has also cited Maduro's role in the migration of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans are estimated to have fled the country since 2013 amid economic collapse and political...
