The United States has carried out a major military strike against Venezuela, and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been reportedly captured and flown out of the country, U.S. officials said early Saturday.
In a statement released today on social media in the early hours of the morning, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced the operation. In part he wrote:
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
According to global media outlets like, The Guardian, AP, CBS News, AlJazeera among others, explosions were heard across Caracas early Saturday, and smoke was seen rising over multiple neighborhoods, Reuters reported. The operation marks a dramatic and unprecedented escalation in U.S.–Venezuela tensions, involving coordinated strikes on military targets and strategic infrastructure.
Venezuelan authorities have described the action as an act of military aggression and demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking on state television, said the government did not know their whereabouts and called on citizens to mobilize in defense of the nation.
International reaction has been swift. Some regional governments called for emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council, while others condemned the U.S. operation as a violation of international law. according to Al Jazeera
At the time of publication, independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture from Venezuelan sources had not been released. The U.S. has stated the operation was conducted in conjunction with law enforcement entities — details which officials said will be provided during a planned news briefing later Saturday.
The strike follows months of heightened U.S. pressure on Caracas, including sanctions and military deployments in the Caribbean region amid accusations of corruption, election irregularities, and drug trafficking associated with the Venezuelan leadership.
As the situation continues to unfold, uncertainty remains over who is leading Venezuela and how regional stability will be affected by these events