US Forces Launch Massive Strike in Caracas; Maduro Captured in "Operation Southern Spear"
Report Contents
Executive Summary
In a lightning military operation executed early Saturday, January 3, 2026, and extending into January 4, the United States military carried out a series of precision airstrikes across Caracas, Venezuela. The mission, code-named "Operation Southern Spear," targeted strategic military installations and resulted in the purported capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
The Aerial Assault: Fort Tiuna Under Fire
The operation began at approximately 2:00 AM local time when residents of Caracas reported the roar of low-flying aircraft and at least seven massive explosions. According to military sources, the strikes primarily focused on Fort Tiuna, the country's largest military complex, which houses the Ministry of Defense and elite barracks.
Witnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke rising from the southern part of the city. Secondary strikes were confirmed at La Carlota Air Base and port infrastructure in La Guaira. The FAA immediately issued a NOTAM prohibiting U.S. civil and commercial aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace, citing "ongoing military activity."
Capture of Nicolás Maduro
At 5:21 AM, President Donald Trump announced via social media that Nicolás Maduro had been "captured and flown out of the country." Initial reports suggest U.S. Special Forces, including members of Delta Force, used a "snatch-and-grab" tactic following the distraction of the airstrikes. Maduro has reportedly arrived in New York City to face criminal charges related to narco-terrorism and weapons trafficking.
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy RodrÃguez has called for "proof of life" and condemned the action as a violation of international law. The Venezuelan Supreme Court has ordered RodrÃguez to assume the presidency in a temporary capacity to maintain administrative continuity.
International Response
The international community remains divided. While some regional leaders have called for a restoration of democracy, the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) have convened emergency meetings to address the legality of the military intervention. Leaders in Colombia and Brazil have heightened border security as thousands of Caracas residents reportedly fled the city in the wake of the blasts.
Infrastructure and Aftermath
As of Sunday morning, large sections of southern Caracas remain without electricity. Internet monitoring services have reported significant outages across the capital, hampering communications. Reports of gunfire in residential neighborhoods have also emerged as civil militias and military units respond to the power vacuum.
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