Nicolas Maduro Captured: Trump Confirms US Delta Force Strike on Venezuela
President Donald Trump announced early Jan 3, 2026 that US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and wife Cilia Flores after “large-scale strikes” on Caracas and other sites. Delta Force led the raid—Maduro flown out amid explosions. Live updates, viral photo fact-check, global reaction below.
Trump’s Announcement & Timeline
Truth Social post (3:15 AM EST): “US successfully carried out large scale strike against Venezuela. President Nicolas Maduro and wife captured, flown out. More soon.”
- Time: Strikes ~2 AM EST (8 AM Caracas)
- Targets: Caracas + 3 states (Petro claims)
- Capture: Delta Force raid Maduro residence
Viral Maduro Captured Photo: Real or Fake?
Circulating image shows Maduro handcuffed by soldiers, chopper backdrop. Fact-checks (Cotejo.info): AI-generated—finger glitches, blurry badges. No official US photo; Trump teased “details soon.”
Delta Force Operation Details
US officials (CBS/NBC): Delta Force (Abu Bakhdadi killers) executed. CIA located Maduro months prior. Puerto Rico base launched—F-35s, Reapers. Maduro indicted 2020 narcoterrorism ($50M bounty doubled).
Cilia Flores: Maduro’s Wife Captured Too
Venezuela VP (2007-13), Maduro’s partner since 1990s. Indicted US sanctions evasion. “Proof of life” demanded by Delcy Rodriguez.
Venezuela Reaction: Emergency Declared
Maduro regime: “US piracy, murder innocents.” Emergency activated; UN complaint. Rodriguez: “Where’s Maduro?” Opposition celebrates.
Global Response
- Russia: “Fake” claims; supports Maduro.
- China: Condemns aggression.
- Colombia Petro: Lists strike sites; neutral.
- UK Starmer: “Not involved.”
Why Now? Indictment & Tensions
2020 DOJ: Maduro narcoterrorism (15T coke tons). Trump buildup: Carriers, Marines Caribbean. Maduro accused drug routes.
Photo Analysis: AI or Real?
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Captured photo | AI fake (finger errors) |
| Delta Force raid | US officials confirm |
| Wife detained | Trump statement |
FAQ: Maduro Captured
Maduro captured photo real?
No—viral image AI-generated per fact-checks.
Where is Maduro now?
Flown out US per Trump; location classified.
Why US capture Maduro wife?
Cilia Flores indicted sanctions evasion.
Did Congress approve Venezuela strike?
No prior notice reported—Trump authority.
Developing fast—Trump presser soon. Updates live.