Key Facts
- ✓ President Nicolás Maduro was reportedly injured in the leg during capture by US forces on January 3
- ✓ Maduro's wife allegedly sustained a head injury during the same incident
- ✓ Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced these injuries in an official statement
- ✓ The alleged capture operation was conducted by American military forces
Quick Summary
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were injured during their capture by US military forces on January 3. The minister reported that President Maduro sustained a leg injury while his wife suffered a head injury during the alleged incident.
This development marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing tensions between Venezuela and the United States. The Venezuelan government's statement provides limited details about the circumstances of the capture operation. The allegations come at a time of heightened diplomatic friction between the two nations. International observers are watching closely for potential repercussions in the region.
Alleged Injuries Reported
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has made serious allegations regarding the treatment of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during an encounter with US military personnel. According to the minister's statement, the injuries occurred on January 3 during what he described as a capture operation.
The specific injuries reported include:
- President Maduro: Leg injury
- First Lady: Head injury
These allegations represent a grave accusation against American military forces. The Venezuelan government has not released medical documentation or independent verification of these injuries. The statement from Minister Cabello serves as the primary source of information regarding this incident.
"Le président vénézuélien aurait été blessé à la jambe, et son épouse à la tête, lors de leur capture le 3 janvier par l’armée américaine"
— Diosdado Cabello, Interior Minister
Timeline of Events
The alleged capture took place on January 3, 2026, according to the Venezuelan government's timeline. Minister Diosdado Cabello presented this information to the public through an official declaration.
The sequence of events, as described by Venezuelan authorities:
- Capture operation conducted by US forces
- Physical injuries sustained by both President Maduro and his wife
- Official statement released by Interior Minister Cabello
The timing of this announcement, made on January 8, suggests a five-day gap between the alleged incident and its public disclosure. This delay raises questions about the immediate response from Venezuelan officials and the handling of the situation by both governments.
Government Response
The Venezuelan government has positioned Diosdado Cabello as the primary spokesperson for this incident. As Interior Minister, Cabello's role includes overseeing domestic security and law enforcement matters.
Key aspects of the government's response include:
- Direct attribution to US military forces
- Specific injury reports for both individuals
- Official declaration through the Interior Ministry
The American military has not been mentioned as providing any response to these allegations within the available information. The Venezuelan government's statement stands as the sole source of details about this alleged incident.
International Implications
These allegations carry significant weight for US-Venezuela relations, which have been characterized by tension in recent years. The claim that American military forces captured a foreign head of state represents an extraordinary accusation.
Potential consequences of this development:
- Increased diplomatic tensions between the two nations
- Reactions from regional allies and international organizations
- Scrutiny of military protocols and international law
The Venezuelan government has not indicated what diplomatic or legal actions it plans to pursue following these allegations. The international community awaits further clarification from both parties involved.
Conclusion
The allegations made by Diosdado Cabello regarding injuries to Nicolás Maduro and his wife during capture by US forces on January 3 represent a serious development in international relations. The specific injuries reported—a leg injury for President Maduro and a head injury for his wife—have been presented without additional corroborating evidence.
This incident, as described by Venezuelan authorities, highlights the fragile state of relations between Venezuela and the United States. The lack of immediate response from American officials and the limited details provided by the Venezuelan government leave many questions unanswered. As this situation continues to develop, the focus will likely remain on verification of the claims and potential diplomatic consequences.
