Former US President Donald Trump announced that American special forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in a covert operation on January 3, 2026. The alleged operation, which followed years of US-Venezuela tension over disputed elections and human rights, reportedly involved extraction from Caracas amid explosions and power outages. While Trump stated they are in US custody, Venezuelan authorities have denied knowledge of their whereabouts and demanded proof of life. The situation has also renewed focus on Maduro's net worth.