U.S. says Maduro captured following strikes in Venezuela, region on edge

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces launched strikes in Venezuela and that Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the country.” U.S. officials told American media that the operation was conducted by Delta Force, an elite U.S. Army special operations unit.

Authorities in Caracas have not confirmed Maduro’s capture. Venezuelan officials condemned the strikes and accused the U.S. of aggression, while reports from the capital, Caracas, described explosions and power outages in several areas during the early morning hours.

Years of hostility

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have simmered for years. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and cooperation with criminal groups designated by the U.S. as terrorist organisations. Maduro has consistently denied those accusations.

A Republican senator said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Maduro would face criminal charges in the United States, where he was indicted years ago. The senator added that Rubio does not expect further military action in Venezuela at this time.

Increased U.S. presence near Venezuela The reported operation follows months of heightened U.S. military activity in the region. American naval assets, including the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and several other warships, have been positioned in the Caribbean.

In recent weeks, the U.S. has also announced the seizure of two oil tankers linked to Venezuela and carried out strikes on more than 30 vessels it says were transporting drugs. President Trump previously said U.S. forces targeted dock facilities allegedly used to load narcotics onto boats.

Trinidad and Tobago not involved

In response to the developing situation, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar issued a public statement Saturday morning making it clear that Trinidad and Tobago is not involved in the U.S. military operation.

“Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela,” the Prime Minister said.

“Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations.”

Persad-Bissessar also reaffirmed this country’s diplomatic stance, stating that Trinidad and Tobago continues to maintain peaceful relations with the people of Venezuela.

U.S. officials have said further details will be provided in a briefing, while Venezuelan authorities continue to demand confirmation of Maduro’s whereabouts as the situation continues to unfold.