BREAKING: MADURO ABDUCTED
Trump claims Maduro detained as strikes hit Caracas, sparking global condemnation and protests. UPDATE: Marco Rubio says Maduro has been arrested to stand trial on criminal charges in the US.
UPDATE: Marco Rubio says Maduro has been arrested to stand trial on criminal charges in the US.
CARACAS, B.R.V. — Donald Trump, via Truth Social, delivered a statement declaring that Imperial forces have abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their residence in the capital. The post went live minutes ago, at 4:21 A.M. Eastern time, 1:21 A.M. Pacific. This is a statement from the U.S. president and has been confirmed by multiple members of the U.S. Government, including Marco Rubio. Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López also confirms the abduction.
The Maduro government has denounced the strikes as “military aggression” by the United States. Venezuela declared a state of emergency, condemning what it calls a violation of sovereignty. The government has called for national mobilization.
Special forces and unconfirmed law enforcement carried out the abduction of Venezuela’s lawful head of state under the cover of devastating airstrikes, some of which struck heavily populated areas in addition to military targets. Several buildings of cultural significance were struck, including the Hugo Chávez Mausoleum. Damage assessments continue to be reported in broad terms.
There are reports of widespread disruptions in Caracas and surrounding regions, including outages and public fear, but accurate casualty figures and damage assessments are not yet available.
Multiple sources have reported on this video. We can confirm its contents and the identity of the speaker as Venezuelan Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López.
The Bolivarian National Armed Forces inform the world that in the early hours of today, January 3, 2026, the Venezuelan people have been the target of the most criminal military aggression by the U.S. government.
López said that “Missiles and explosives were launched from U.S. helicopters and aircraft. Civilian areas were hit. We are currently tallying the casualties.”
Earlier, he called for an “anti-imperialist and liberation war” against the American empire.
Marco Rubio told reporters that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the early morning bombing campaign was ordered to “protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant.”
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︀︀The President will likely use Article II of the U.S. Constitution as justification for the strikes on Venezuela, claiming the barrage “protected U.S. personnel from an actual or imminent attack.”
Antiwar protests have been announced around the country, with some scheduled to take place later today.
Locally there are emergency actions planned at 4pm Market square in Cleveland or 3pm on South Main Street in Akron.