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Late on January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan capital of Caracas was shaken by a series of explosions and low-flying aircraft that sparked widespread alarm. At least seven blasts were reported, with smoke rising from military zones and power outages affecting multiple neighborhoods. Venezuelan authorities quickly accused an external military attack, calling the events a “military aggression” against the nation.

Read more: Who is Nicolás Maduro? Has President of Venezuela Been Arrested?

President Nicolás Maduro Arrested or Not? What We Really Know After Blasts in Venezuela
Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had "captured and flown out of the Country."

In the hours that followed, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of Venezuela following what he described as a “large-scale strike” carried out by U.S. forces in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.

Has the Capture Been Independently Verified?

As of now, independent confirmation from neutral parties, international organizations, or official government statements outside the United States and Venezuela is not available. News agencies and global outlets report the claim as announced by President Trump, but cannot independently verify Maduro’s detention or extradition.

Venezuelan authorities have not acknowledged Maduro’s capture. Instead, they have condemned the strikes as an attack on their civilian and military infrastructure and declared a national emergency. President Maduro has called for mobilization of supporters and defense forces.

Read more:

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President Nicolás Maduro Arrested or Not? What We Really Know After Blasts in Venezuela
Soldiers guard the area around the Miraflores presidential palace after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela on Jan. 3, 2026

Background: Why This Happened

Tensions between the United States and Venezuela had been escalating for months prior to January 2026. The U.S. government accused Maduro of involvement in narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, and took actions including:

  • Seizing Venezuelan oil tankers.

  • Carrying out strikes on vessels alleged to be used for drug smuggling.

  • Conducting drone strikes on suspected sites connected to cartels.

The United States has also labeled organizations linked to Venezuelan leadership as terrorist entities under its policies, intensifying diplomatic and military pressure. Wikipedia

Venezuela has consistently denied these accusations, framing U.S. actions as imperialist attempts to destabilize the country and seize control of its natural resources.

President Nicolás Maduro Arrested or Not? What We Really Know After Blasts in Venezuela
Maduro captured by Army's Delta Force

What Governments Are Saying

  • United States: President Trump’s social media announcement claims the capture of Maduro and his wife, and describes a significant military operation inside Venezuela. Details of the operation — including the legal basis and location of custody — are still to be released at a scheduled press conference.

  • Venezuela: The Maduro government strongly rejects claims of his removal or capture. Instead, it accuses the United States of aggression and calls for national defense and mass mobilization.

  • International reaction: Various nations have expressed concern and called for verification of claims. Some neighbors and global leaders are monitoring developments and urging calm. (Reports are still evolving.)

What’s Still Unknown

At this stage:

  • Independent, third-party confirmation of Maduro’s arrest is not available.

  • Details about where Maduro and his wife may be held, or under what legal authority, remain unreported.

  • Casualty figures and the full humanitarian impact of the explosions and military actions are still emerging.

FAQs — Nicolás Maduro Arrest & Venezuela Situation

Q: Has President Nicolás Maduro been arrested?

A: The U.S. President claims he has been captured and flown out of Venezuela, but this has not yet been independently verified by neutral sources or international monitors.

Q: What role did the U.S. military play?

Trump and U.S. officials describe a large-scale strike inside Venezuela linked to national security and law enforcement operations, though details are limited.

Q: Did Venezuela confirm Maduro’s arrest?

No. The Venezuelan government calls the actions a foreign attack and maintains Maduro is acting as president, having declared a state of emergency.

Q: Why is the U.S. involved?

The U.S. has accused Venezuela’s leadership of involvement with drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, and has taken escalating actions targeting Venezuelan state and smuggling infrastructure.

Q: Should people be concerned?

The situation remains fluid and tense, with geopolitical implications across the Americas. Independent confirmation and official records are required for a full understanding.