The United States has launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, striking multiple targets across the South American country in what U.S. President Donald Trump described as a successful mission that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.
In a pre-dawn post on his social media platform, Truth Social, early Saturday, President Trump said U.S. forces had carried out a “large-scale strike” on Venezuelan territory and that Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country.” He said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” though he did not immediately provide independent evidence or detailed confirmation of their current location. Trump scheduled a press briefing later in the morning at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The reported strikes hit several strategic sites, including military installations around the capital, Caracas, as residents reported explosions and power disruptions in the early hours. Venezuelan authorities confirmed explosions in the capital and other regions but have not independently verified the capture or whereabouts of Madame and Maduro.
Venezuela Declares Emergency, Calls for Proof of Life
The Venezuelan government denounced the U.S. operation as an “imperialist attack,” accusing Washington of violating its sovereignty and urging citizens to mobilise in defense of the nation. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded “immediate proof of life” for Maduro and his wife, saying their location remains unknown and criticising the U.S. narrative as premature. Caracas also declared a national state of emergency in response to the unfolding events.
The operation represents the most direct U.S. military action against Venezuela since the 1989 invasion of Panama. It follows months of escalating tensions, including U.S. naval deployments in the Caribbean, strikes on vessels Washington says were linked to drug trafficking, and a significant reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest that was raised to $50 million under the Trump administration. Maduro and several senior officials had been indicted in U.S. courts on drug-related charges earlier in the decade.
International responses have been swift. Some governments have condemned the U.S. action as a breach of international law and a threat to regional stability, while others have expressed concern over the implications of a military incursion. Venezuela has reportedly requested an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address what it called blatant aggression.
As of this report, key details — including independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture, the exact location where he and his wife are being held, and the legal and diplomatic ramifications — remain unclear. The situation continues to develop rapidly.
