US President Donald Trump has claimed that US forces carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, alleging that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country, amid explosions and a declared state of emergency in Caracas.
Statement on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had conducted a major military operation against Venezuela “in conjunction with US law enforcement.”
He claimed that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country,” though no independent confirmation has been provided by US or Venezuelan authorities.
Explosions rock Caracas
Earlier, multiple explosions and plumes of smoke were reported in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Residents in southern parts of the city, near a major military base, said they heard at least seven blasts and saw low-flying aircraft.
Large areas were left without electricity, triggering panic among residents.
Al Jazeera and Reuters correspondents confirmed loud explosions and visible smoke over the city. Video footage circulating online showed flames and thick smoke rising from a structure near a body of water, reportedly close to the Fortuna military base.
Venezuela declares state of emergency
Before Trump’s statement, President Maduro’s government declared a nationwide state of emergency. In an official statement, authorities ordered all national defense plans to be activated to confront what they described as “imperialist aggression.”
The government accused the United States of targeting civilian and military installations in Caracas as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Caracas said the alleged attacks were aimed at seizing Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. Maduro’s administration warned that such actions “will not succeed” and vowed to defend national sovereignty.
Opposition silent as situation unfolds
Venezuela’s opposition said it had no official comment on reports of a US attack or Trump’s claim of Maduro’s capture. A spokesperson said it was too early to respond as details remained unclear.
Opposition figure María Corina Machado, a vocal critic of Maduro, has previously supported US pressure on Caracas, including sanctions and maritime seizures. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.
Rising US-Venezuela tensions
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Venezuela and has expanded US pressure through sanctions and operations against vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific.
Maduro has long accused Washington of pursuing regime change to gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
