Pedestrians walk past destroyed containers lay at La Guaira port after explosions were heard in Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Matias Delacroix
The U.S. captured Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro as part of a major military operation overnight that rocked the country’s capital, Caracas.
The U.S. launched the operation in the middle of the night. The actions follows months of a military buildup in the region and repeated threats by President Trump against Maduro.
Here’s a look at Venezuela and reactions from around the world.
Fire at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, is seen from a distance after a series of explosions in Caracas on Jan. 3, 2026.
STR
Pedestrians run after explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas, Venezuela.
Matias Delacroix
Men watch smoke rising from a dock after explosions were heard at La Guaira port, Venezuela.
Matias Delacroix
Concrete blocks block the highway leading from Simón Bolívar International Airport to Caracas in Maiquetía, Venezuela.
Matias Delacroix
Civilians living inside Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, leave the place, in Caracas, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Federico Parra
Venezuelans living in Chile celebrate in Santiago, after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro after launching a "large scale strike" on Venezuela.
Javier Torres
People line up outside a supermarket in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Ariana Cubillos
A member of the National Guard stands guard at Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, in Caracas.
Federico Parra
Supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro embrace in downtown Caracas, Venezuela.
Cristian Hernandez
A woman cries during a rally of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.
Cristian Hernandez
Pro-government armed civilians patrol in La Guaira, Venezuela after President Trump announced that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country.
Matias Delacroix
A member the National Guard stands guard at an entrance to Fuerte Tiuna in Caracas.
Federico Parra
