Reuters World News Trump says US will run Venezuela
Jan 3, 2026
Idris Ali, a national security correspondent, analyzes the U.S. strikes on Venezuela, detailing the significant escalation and uncertainties surrounding Venezuelan defenses. Don Durfee, a U.S. foreign policy editor, discusses America's posture towards Iran and the implications of Trump's military rhetoric. Together, they explore the fallout from Trump's assertions regarding Nicolás Maduro’s capture, regional reactions, and the potential for broader international military and diplomatic engagements. This conversation uncovers critical dynamics in U.S. foreign policy.
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Major Escalation In Caracas Strike
- The U.S. carried out large-scale strikes in Caracas, marking a major escalation from prior peripheral actions.
- Idris Ali says strikes targeted multiple sites and may have disabled Venezuelan air defenses to enable the attack.
Violence, Emergency And Government Accusation
- Explosions rocked Caracas for roughly 90 minutes, producing black smoke and orange flashes captured on phones.
- The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency and accused the U.S. of seeking control of oil and minerals.
Maduro Claimed Captured And Removed
- President Trump posted that Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
- Reuters notes the U.S. has not directly intervened in Latin America on this scale since Panama in 1989.