UPDATE: Urgent reports confirm that US airstrikes overnight on January 3, 2026, have resulted in at least 40 deaths in Venezuela as part of a dramatic operation to capture dictator Nicolás Maduro. The strikes targeted Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s largest military complex located in Caracas, devastating the area and leaving behind wreckage and smoke.
Aerial images reveal the aftermath of the strikes, showing buildings completely obliterated and charred landscapes. Officials report that the casualties include both military personnel and innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. The operation aims to apprehend Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are now in custody in New York City on drug trafficking charges.
Former President Donald Trump announced the “large scale strike” as a necessary measure to seize Maduro, claiming he intends to govern Venezuela indefinitely. Trump dismissed the possibility of opposition leader María Corina Machado taking control, stating she lacks sufficient support among the populace.
The strikes have escalated tensions in the region and raised significant humanitarian concerns, as reports of civilian casualties emerge. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with reactions pouring in from various governments and organizations.
As the situation develops, observers are urged to remain vigilant. The implications of this military action are profound, not only for Venezuelans but also for global political stability. Expect further updates as more information becomes available regarding the assault and its aftermath.
Stay tuned for live updates on this unfolding crisis.
