Sat Jan 03 09:40:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The text reports that U.S. President Donald Trump announced via social media a large-scale U.S. strike against Venezuela and its President Nicolas Maduro. Trump claimed Maduro and his wife were arrested and removed from Venezuela. He said U.S. law enforcement coordinated the operation and promised details later at a press conference. Venezuela’s Defense Minister condemned the attack as cowardly and vowed not to yield to U.S. pressure.
News Article:
U.S. Claims Successful Strike, Arrest of Maduro in Venezuela
WASHINGTON D.C. (January 3, 2024) – In a stunning and unexpected move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced early this morning a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, claiming the successful arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
In a social media post issued around 4:00 AM Eastern Time, President Trump declared that the United States had “successfully conducted a massive strike operation against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro.” He further stated that Maduro and his wife were in custody and had been removed from Venezuelan territory.
Trump asserted that the operation was coordinated with U.S. law enforcement agencies. He promised further details would be released at a press conference scheduled for 11:00 AM Eastern Time at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The announcement followed reports of attacks in multiple locations in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital.
The Venezuelan government has responded swiftly and angrily. Venezuelan Defense Minister Padrino López condemned the U.S. action as a “cowardly act,” vowing that Venezuela would not bow to American pressure.
The international community is now bracing for potential fallout from this dramatic escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The full scope and implications of the U.S. operation remain unclear, pending further information from the Trump administration.