Sun Jan 04 04:35:19 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

A U.S. military strike in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 3, 2026, ousted President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. special forces seized Maduro and are sending him to New York for trial. The strikes targeted military installations and caused widespread shock and fear among residents. While a small group of Maduro supporters protested the intervention, streets were largely deserted under the watch of armed agents. Damage was mainly confined to military areas. Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused the U.S. of attacking civilian areas. President Trump stated no U.S. soldiers died and hinted at further strikes if necessary, declaring the U.S. will “run” Venezuela until a political transition. Trump dismissed opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and suggested working with Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez. Colombia reinforced its border, fearing a humanitarian crisis. The situation remains uncertain, with residents worried about the future.

News Article:

U.S. Strike Ousts Maduro in Venezuela, Sparks Uncertainty

Caracas, Venezuela – January 4, 2026 – A U.S. military strike rocked Caracas early Saturday morning, resulting in the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Explosions rattled the capital city around 2:00 a.m. local time, targeting military complexes and prompting widespread panic among residents. U.S. special forces apprehended Maduro and will transport him to New York for trial.

While a small contingent of Maduro supporters gathered to protest the intervention, the streets of Caracas remained largely empty, patrolled by heavily armed agents. Witnesses reported bombings in multiple locations, including La Guaira (Caracas’s airport and port), Maracay, and Higuerote.

“I felt the explosions lift me out of bed,” recounted Maria Eugenia Escobar, a Caracas resident. “In that instant, I thought: ‘My God, the day has come,’ and I cried.”

Defense Minister General Vladimir Padrino Lopez condemned the U.S. action, alleging that civilian areas were targeted with missiles and rockets. President Trump asserted that no U.S. soldiers were harmed in the strikes.

Trump further indicated that the U.S. would “run” Venezuela until a political transition is achieved and suggested that further military action could be on the table. Dismissing opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Trump hinted at a willingness to work with Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodriguez.

The situation has prompted concerns in neighboring Colombia, which has reinforced its border with tanks and armed soldiers, fearing a potential influx of migrants. Despite these concerns, border crossings have been noticeably quieter than usual.

The future of Venezuela remains highly uncertain, with residents anxiously awaiting news and fearing further escalation. The U.S. intervention marks a dramatic turning point for the nation, with far-reaching consequences yet to be seen.

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