Sat Jan 03 09:40:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

The U.S. military launched an hour-long bombing campaign against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, targeting military installations, the Ministry of Defense, and ports in Caracas and surrounding areas. Reports suggest the attack was authorized by President Trump without Congressional notification. Trump claims the operation successfully captured President Maduro and his wife, who have been taken out of the country. Venezuela has condemned the attack as a severe violation of international law, declared a national emergency, and called for armed resistance. The U.S. FAA has banned commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace, and social media activity suggests heightened activity at the Pentagon and White House. A second wave of attacks is reportedly possible.

News Article:

U.S. Military Strikes Venezuela; Maduro Reportedly Captured

CARACAS, VENEZUELA – January 3, 2026 – The United States military conducted a series of airstrikes against targets within Venezuela early this morning, triggering air raid sirens and reports of explosions across the capital city of Caracas. The attacks, lasting approximately one hour, reportedly targeted Venezuelan military airfields, the Ministry of Defense, and port facilities.

The attack was confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the operation was a success, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. “The United States has successfully executed a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Maduro,” Trump announced. “Maduro and his wife are in custody and have been removed from the country. This was a joint operation with U.S. law enforcement.” A press conference is scheduled for 11:00 AM EST at Mar-a-Lago.

The attack has sparked immediate condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which issued an official statement denouncing the action as “extremely serious military aggression” and a blatant violation of the UN Charter. Venezuela has declared a national emergency, calling on its citizens to engage in “armed struggle” to repel the “imperialist aggression.” President Maduro has ordered the deployment of “integrated defense commands” throughout the country. Venezuela has stated it will exercise its right to self-defense under the UN Charter and will bring the matter before the UN Security Council.

Sources within CNN report that the Senate Armed Services Committee was not notified prior to the strike. CCTV International claims that President Trump bypassed Congress in authorizing the military action. Speculation is growing that a second wave of attacks may be imminent.

While the White House and Pentagon have yet to issue formal statements, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned U.S. commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity.” Social media activity, tracked via the “Pentagon pizza index,” suggests a surge in orders to pizza restaurants near the Pentagon and White House in the hours preceding the attack.

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