Up First from NPR The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro
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Jan 3, 2026 
Carrie Kahn, NPR's South America correspondent, provides first-hand accounts of the dramatic U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro. Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, analyzes the administration's actions and the implications of these events. Greg Myrie, covering national security, discusses the military operations and historical parallels. Together, they explore regional reactions, potential successors to Maduro, and the high-stakes political fallout of this unprecedented situation.
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Unprecedented U.S. Capture Of Maduro
- The U.S. executed a large-scale strike on Caracas and other Venezuelan sites and claims President Nicolás Maduro was captured and flown out of the country.
- The operation follows months of U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and represents an unprecedented direct action against a sitting head of state.
Eyewitness Near La Carlota Sees Explosions
- Vanessa Silva, who lives opposite La Carlota military airport, described waking to loud explosions and seeing fires on the runway.
- She reported airplanes circling for hours and widespread fear among Caracas residents.
Chaotic Domestic And Regional Reaction
- Venezuela's government described attacks on military and civilian neighborhoods and called for proof of life for Maduro.
- Regional reactions split sharply, with allies condemning the U.S. and some regional leaders praising the capture.