US invades Venezuela, captures President Maduro, wife
By Web Desk Jan 03, 2026 138
GLOBAL: US President Donald Trump announced strong involvement in Venezuela's oil sector following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing drug trafficking charges in New York. Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez warned that his country will not negotiate or give up amidst US claims of attacks on civilian and military targets that resulted in the capture of Maduro Saturday.
The US Federal Aviation Administration warned commercial airlines to avoid Caribbean airspace due to safety risks from military actions in Venezuela. Maduro and his wife are reportedly on the USS Iwo Jima, en route to New York for trial.
Streets in Caracas, capital of Venezuela, are unusually empty with reports of long lines at pharmacies and supermarkets.
The US government's military actions have faced criticism from several countries, including France, which called it a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty.