The X post from @BRICSinfo

 (an independent media account focused on geopolitics and BRICS-related news) shares breaking news claiming that US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a large-scale US military operation in Venezuela.Confirmation from Major SourcesThis claim is widely confirmed across reputable news outlets as of January 3, 2026:President Trump posted on Truth Social that US forces conducted a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela, resulting in Maduro and his wife being "captured and flown out of the country." He described the operation as successful and conducted in coordination with US law enforcement, with more details to follow at a press conference.

Reports from The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, Fox News, Reuters, ABC News, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and others corroborate the announcement, including explosions in Caracas targeting military sites (e.g., Fuerte Tiuna complex and La Carlota airfield).

The operation reportedly involved elite units like Delta Force, building on longstanding US charges against Maduro for narco-terrorism (with a $50 million bounty).

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state TV, stating the government does not know the couple's whereabouts and demanding "proof of life."


Context and ReactionsThis marks a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela tensions, rooted in years of sanctions, accusations of election rigging, and drug trafficking allegations.Reactions on X to the @BRICSinfo

 post (which has garnered millions of views and tens of thousands of engagements) include:Criticism labeling it as "terrorism" for control of Venezuela's oil reserves.

Ironic comments comparing it to unaddressed domestic issues (e.g., "Captured Maduro but not a single person from the Epstein list").

Memes and sarcasm about US foreign policy priorities.


International responses vary, with some condemnation from allies like Russia and Iran, calls for restraint, and Venezuela requesting an urgent UN Security Council meeting.This is a fast-developing story with significant geopolitical implications.