Trump to NYT:

A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people.

It was a brilliant operation, actually.

María Corina Machado is likely to be Venezuela’s new leader following U.S. capture of Maduro.

She was barred from running in 2024 elections, so she backed Edmundo González, whom the opposition says won in a landslide.

Against the backdrop of protests in Iran against the government in recent days, Iran’s Khamenei made a public appearance this morning.

Trump speaking about Venezuela on December 18, 2025:

They took our oil rights. We had a lot of oil there. They threw our companies out. And we want it back.

A U.S. official said there were no American casualties in the operation but would not comment on Venezuelan casualties.

Source: NYT

Sources within the Venezuelan opposition tell Sky News they believe Nicolás Maduro’s capture was a “negotiated exit.”

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago:

Earlier this morning, Saturday 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela.

Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations.

Milei celebrates Maduro’s capture:

Freedom advances.

Long live freedom, damn it!

Venezuelan government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez says.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demands immediate “proof of life” for Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State says Maduro will “finally face justice for his crimes.”

Russia says it is deeply worried and condemns the U.S. “act of armed aggression” against Venezuela.

Iran's Khamenei:

The protest is justified, but protest is different from rioting. We talk to the protester; officials must talk to the protester.

But talking to a rioter is useless. The rioter must be put in his place.

Jan 3, 2020: Trump orders the killing of Iran's Qassem Soleimani.

Jan 3, 2026: Trump orders the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.

Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado on December 11, 2025:

We will turn Venezuela into the energy, technological, and democracy hub of the Americas.

We will host all of you in a bright, democratic, and free country, and it’s going to be soon.

Colombian President Petro:

Public forces are being deployed to the border, and all available support forces will be deployed in the event of a massive influx of refugees.

The Government of Colombia rejects the aggression against the sovereignty of Venezuela and of Latin America.

Colombian President Petro:

Civilian casualties.

Senator Mike Lee says he was told by Rubio that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by U.S. personnel to face criminal charges in the United States, and that the military action seen was to protect those carrying out the arrest.

He adds no further U.S. action in Venezuela is expected.

Iran's Khamenei: We will not back down before the enemy. We will bring the enemy to their knees.

Crowd: Death to America! Death to Britain! Death to Israel!

Venezuelan officials said the U.S. attack killed and wounded an unspecified number of people, with casualties still being assessed.

Source: NYT

EU’s Kaja Kallas:

I have spoken with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and our Ambassador in Caracas. The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.

The EU has repeatedly stated that Mr Maduro lacks legitimacy and has defended a peaceful transition.