Sat Jan 03 13:32:24 UTC 2026: News Article:
Maduro’s Whereabouts Unknown After US Strikes, Says Venezuelan Vice President
Caracas, Venezuela – Tensions are high in Venezuela after a series of overnight attacks, allegedly carried out by the United States, targeted several locations across the country, including the capital, Caracas. United States President Donald Trump has claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have been captured by US forces and removed from the country.
While the Venezuelan government has yet to confirm Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodrigues has announced that they have lost contact with the president and first lady, demanding “proof of life” from the US. She added that Venezuelan defenses have been activated.
Trump announced the attacks on his Truth Social platform, stating that the operation was carried out in conjunction with US law enforcement. He also stated that more details would be revealed at a press conference.
The US embassy in Bogota, Colombia, issued a statement advising American citizens to stay out of Venezuela but initially did not confirm US involvement.
The attacks have drawn strong reactions from across the globe. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro condemned the aggression, calling for an immediate meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also condemned the attacks, while some right-leaning Latin American leaders voiced support for the US action.
Analysts are divided along ideological lines, with right-wing governments applauding Maduro’s removal and leftist governments criticizing the move as illegal.
Amidst the uncertainty, streets in Caracas were reportedly quiet, patrolled by security forces as residents remained indoors. Meanwhile, members of the Venezuelan diaspora in other countries have taken to the streets to celebrate what they perceive as the fall of a dictatorship.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy.”
The situation remains fluid, with many questions surrounding the legality of the US actions and the potential consequences for Venezuela and the region.
Summary:
President Trump announced the US military bombed Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife, claiming they were flown out of the country. Venezuela’s Vice President says Maduro’s whereabouts are unknown. The US cited Maduro’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking as justification for the attack, which involved strikes in multiple Venezuelan states. Maduro’s close allies, Russia and Cuba, condemned the attack. Colombia rejected the aggression while others supported. Vice President Rodriguez is next in line to take charge if Maduro’s gone. She demanded that the US provide “proof of life” of Maduro and Flores, and added that Venezuela’s defenses were activated. Supporters celebrated abroad, while Trump indicted Maduro on drug charges. The legality of the US actions is questioned.
First Piper 