Reports from Venezuelan sources and international media suggest that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, shortly after concluding high-level talks with a special envoy from Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. The timing has fueled speculation about geopolitical implications, as the meeting focused on bolstering bilateral cooperation amid escalating U.S. pressure on Venezuela.
The discussions, held on January 2 or early January 3, involved Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Foreign Minister Yván Gil, and the Chinese delegation led by Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Representative for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs. State television footage and official posts showed the leaders reaffirming "unbreakable brotherhood" and reviewing over 600 existing agreements in energy, infrastructure, and trade. China, Venezuela's largest crude oil buyer with investments exceeding tens of billions since 2007, reportedly discussed countermeasures against U.S. sanctions and naval actions targeting Venezuelan oil shipments.
Hours later, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, stating that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been "captured and flown out of the Country" in coordination with U.S. law enforcement. Explosions rocked Caracas and military sites early on January 3, with eyewitnesses reporting low-flying aircraft and fires at facilities like Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota air base. Trump framed the operation as accountability for Maduro's alleged narcoterrorism, referencing a 2020 U.S. indictment.
Venezuelan officials declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of aggression and demanding "proof of life" for Maduro. The government mobilized defenses, while supporters rallied in streets.
The proximity of the China meeting to the U.S. action has raised concerns about strained U.S.-China relations. A temporary détente from Busan talks in 2025 and Trump's planned April visit to China now face uncertainty. Analysts suggest the operation could disrupt Chinese investments in Venezuelan oil and infrastructure, potentially prompting Beijing to deepen support for Caracas or pursue diplomatic retaliation.
Russia and Iran condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty, calling for UN intervention. European leaders urged restraint, while some Latin American nations expressed alarm over regional stability.
Oil markets surged amid fears of Venezuelan supply disruptions. Maduro's removal creates a power vacuum, with Vice President Rodríguez assuming interim leadership.
Trump scheduled a Mar-a-Lago address to detail the operation, executed by elite units like Delta Force. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed indictments against Maduro and Flores for narco-terrorism and related charges, vowing they face "American justice."
Observers note parallels to past U.S. interventions, debating legality and long-term fallout. The incident tests multilateral norms, with potential for refugee crises and economic ripples.
As details emerge, the world monitors U.S.-China dynamics, Venezuelan stability, and broader hemispheric implications in this rapidly evolving crisis.
