Sat Jan 03 12:44:02 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text:
The United States launched a military attack on Venezuela, claiming to have captured President Nicolas Maduro and flown him out of the country. President Trump announced the operation on social media, alleging Maduro’s involvement in drug cartels. The Venezuelan government denounced the attack as an act of aggression and demanded proof of life for Maduro. International reactions were divided, with countries like Colombia, Spain, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Argentina, Bolivia, Germany, Italy, Chile, and Mexico expressing diverse opinions ranging from condemnation to offers of mediation and concern for regional stability.
Here’s the rewritten text as a news article:
U.S. Strikes Venezuela, Claims Capture of President Maduro, Sparking International Outcry
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a stunning turn of events, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela early Saturday, claiming to have captured President Nicolas Maduro and removed him from the country. President Donald Trump announced the operation via social media, stating that Maduro, along with his wife, had been apprehended in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.
“Maduro has been captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump posted. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio retweeted Trump’s announcement without comment, while his deputy, Christopher Landau, hailed it as “a new dawn for Venezuela!”
The Venezuelan government immediately condemned the U.S. action as an act of “imperialist aggression” and called on its citizens to take to the streets. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated, “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. We demand proof of life.”
The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of leading a drug cartel, allegations Maduro has vehemently denied. Washington has steadily increased pressure on Venezuela in recent months, including imposing sanctions and seizing oil tankers.
The situation has drawn a wide range of reactions from the international community:
- Colombia: President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency UN meeting and deployed troops to the Venezuelan border.
- Spain: Offered to mediate between the U.S. and Venezuela, urging de-escalation and restraint.
- Russia: Condemned the U.S. action as an “act of armed aggression” driven by “ideological hostility.”
- Iran: Strongly condemned the U.S. attack as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.
- Cuba: Denounced the “criminal attack” and called for international action.
- Argentina: President Javier Milei praised Trump’s claim, celebrating the news with a political slogan.
- Bolivia: Former President Evo Morales rejected the U.S. bombardment.
- Germany: Expressed “great concern,” monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with partners.
- Italy: Closely monitoring the situation and gathering information.
- Chile: Called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and multilateralism.
- Mexico: Condemned the U.S. strikes, warning they “seriously jeopardize regional stability.”
The situation remains fluid, with the whereabouts of Maduro and the potential for further escalation unclear. The U.S. action has plunged Venezuela into deeper uncertainty and sparked a diplomatic crisis with potentially far-reaching consequences.