President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the US has captured Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and attacked the country.
"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," he wrote on social media platform TruthSocial.
"This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference," he added.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency and said it rejects “military aggression” by the United States.
Attacks took place in the capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, the statement added, prompting Mr Maduro to declare a state of emergency and call on social and political forces to “activate mobilisation plans”.
The Venezuelan National Armed Forces and police are “deployed to guarantee sovereignty and peace”, a statement from the presidency said. “President Nicolas Maduro has ordered all national defence plans to be implemented at the appropriate time and under the appropriate circumstances.”
The US “will not succeed” in taking resources, the Venezuelan government added.
The US Federal Aviation Authority said it had banned US commercial flights in Venezuela's airspace due to "ongoing military activity" before the explosions.
A vehicle burns at La Carlota air base in Caracas after a series of explosions on January 3, 2026. Loud explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard in Caracas around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) on January 3, an AFP journalist reported. The explosions come as US President Donald Trump, who has deployed a navy task force to the Caribbean, raised the possibility of ground strikes against Venezuela. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP)
The US embassy in Bogota warned citizens against travelling to Venezuela, and told those inside the country to "shelter in place" and immediately leave the country. In 2019, the US withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Caracas and suspended consular services.
Mr Trump has repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela. He has not publicly detailed his aims but has privately pressured Mr Maduro to flee the nation.
The US has made a major military build-up in the region, including an aircraft carrier, warships and advanced fighter jets stationed in the Caribbean.
Venezuelan forces on a vehicle patrol the streets in Caracas, Venezuela, 03 January 2026, after multiple explosions were reported across the capital. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of launching a series of military attacks against civilian and military targets across the country early 03 January morning. EPA / MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
Mr Trump has announced a blockade of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions and staged more than two dozen strikes on vessels that the US alleges were involved
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