New Delhi, January 3: Photos and videos circulating widely on social media claim to show Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being detained by US military personnel following a dramatic operation in Caracas. The images are being shared alongside assertions that the United States has released visual proof of Maduro’s capture, with some posts suggesting the White House has confirmed their authenticity.

AI-Generated Photos Showing 'Nicolas Maduro in US Custody' Being Circulated Online

While the United States did announce a major military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, there is no official visual confirmation supporting the viral images. US President Donald Trump stated that Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by US forces and flown out of the country after large-scale strikes. However, as of now, no verified photos or videos of Maduro’s detention have been released by the White House or the Pentagon. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Wife Captured and Flown out of Country After US Strikes on Caracas, Claims Donald Trump.

It is important to note that the announcement came solely through official statements, not visual evidence. Analysts examining the viral images point to multiple red flags suggesting possible AI generation or digital manipulation, such as inconsistent lighting, unnatural facial textures, blurred insignia and compression artifacts typical of synthetic media.

The broader context is significant. The US launched coordinated strikes across Venezuela early Saturday, citing counter-narcotics objectives under its “War on Drugs.” Washington accused the Maduro administration of operating a “narco-state” and facilitating cocaine trafficking networks, including Tren de Aragua, recently designated a foreign terrorist organization. Explosions were reported near Fuerte Tiuna and La Carlota air base, with power outages across parts of Caracas. Who Is Cilia Flores? Why Nicolas Maduro’s Wife Matters in the US-Venezuela War.

Strategic factors, including tightened US sanctions on oil-linked firms and renewed pressure over Venezuela’s vast energy resources, also frame the escalation. Diplomatic fallout followed quickly, with regional leaders warning of instability and Colombia calling for an emergency UN meeting.

The claim that viral photos authentically show Nicolas Maduro being detained by US forces is unverified and misleading. No official visuals have been released, and the circulating images show strong signs of manipulation.

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Fact check

Are Viral Photos Showing Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro in US Custody Real or Fake? Fact Check Reveals Images Are AI-Generated
Claim :

Viral photos on social media claim to show Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro being detained by US military personnel.

Conclusion :

The images are unverified and AI-generated, as no official photos or videos of Maduro’s capture have been released by US authorities.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2026 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).