US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced that American forces had carried out what he described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country.
Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform, about two hours after a series of explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” Trump wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the Venezuelan government regarding Maduro’s whereabouts. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, was not seen publicly following the overnight events.
Venezuela’s government condemned the action, describing it as an “extremely serious military aggression” by the United States, amid months of escalating military and economic pressure from Washington.
Explosions Rock Caracas
Explosions were reported across Caracas around 2:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), accompanied by the sound of helicopters overhead. According to AFP journalists, the blasts continued for nearly an hour.
Several strategic locations were reportedly targeted, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex in southern Caracas, and La Carlota airbase in the northern part of the city.
Flames and thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from Fuerte Tiuna, while explosions were also heard in La Guaira, home to the country’s main airport and port.
“I felt like the explosions lifted me out of bed. I immediately thought, ‘This is the day,’ and I cried,” said María Eugenia Escobar, a 58-year-old resident of La Guaira.
The defence ministry accused US forces of striking residential areas and announced a “massive deployment” of Venezuela’s military assets. The government also said a state of emergency had been declared.
Regional and International Reactions
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations, warning of regional instability, and announced the deployment of Colombian troops to the Venezuelan border.
Power outages were reported in parts of Caracas, while residents described scenes of panic, with many seeking shelter or preparing to flee.
Francis Peña, a 29-year-old resident of eastern Caracas, said he was awakened by the sound of aircraft. “We’re packing essentials — passports, cash, food — just in case,” he told AFP.
Trump Hails ‘Brilliant’ Operation
Trump, speaking briefly to The New York Times, praised the operation as “brilliant,” crediting “great planning” and the efforts of US troops. He said he would address the situation further at a news conference scheduled for later Saturday.
The US president has repeatedly threatened military action against Venezuela, accusing Maduro of leading a drug cartel and undermining democracy. Washington has also intensified sanctions, seized Venezuelan oil shipments, and deployed naval assets to the Caribbean in recent months.
Maduro has denied allegations of drug trafficking, insisting the United States is seeking regime change because of Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
US military operations targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have reportedly killed at least 107 people since September, according to US officials.
AFP
