US Captures Maduro After Caracas Airstrikes; Venezuela Demands Proof of Life

• US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3, 2026, following large-scale airstrikes on Caracas.
• President Trump announced the capture, stating the operation was conducted with US Law Enforcement, while Venezuela demanded "immediate proof of life."
• The capture followed months of escalating US pressure, including over 35 strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats since September 2025, killing over 115 people.
• US military buildup included deployment of destroyers, F-35 jets, a submarine, and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier to the region.
• Venezuela accused the US of attacking civilian and military installations, calling for public mobilization against the "imperialist attack."

Why It Matters: US pressure on Venezuela culminated in Maduro's capture after extensive military operations and airstrikes.