PALM BEACH, Florida – In a dramatic escalation of a long-running confrontation, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following a series of military strikes on the South American nation early Saturday.
Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform from his Mar-a-Lago estate, stated: “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.” He attributed the operation to “a lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops” and confirmed it was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.” Trump announced a news conference for 11:00 AM EST (1600 GMT) to address the situation.
The claim, which could not be immediately independently verified, follows months of intensified U.S. pressure on Maduro’s government. Trump has repeatedly stated Maduro’s “days are numbered” and framed Venezuela as a national security threat due to drug trafficking and seized U.S. assets.
Explosions Rock Caracas, Nation on Emergency Footing
In Venezuela, the situation appeared dire. Multiple explosions were reported in the capital, Caracas, and in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira starting around 2:00 AM local time. Reuters witnesses and social media footage depicted blasts, low-flying aircraft, and columns of black smoke, with a power outage affecting areas near the Fort Tiuna military complex.
The Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning “military aggression” by the United States. President Maduro, whose whereabouts were unconfirmed, was reported by state media to have declared a “state of emergency” and ordered the full mobilization of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces and all civilian defense units.
“The goal of the Yankee empire is to seize our oil and minerals, but they will not succeed,” the government statement read, calling for national unity and resistance.
Preceding Military Buildup and Actions
The stunning developments cap a week of visible military preparation. A substantial U.S. naval force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, has been operating in the Caribbean. In recent days, U.S. forces have seized tankers attempting to circumvent an oil blockade and conducted lethal strikes on boats accused of drug smuggling.
On Monday, Trump confirmed a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan coastal docking facility, the first acknowledged attack on Venezuelan soil. Hours before Saturday’s events, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency ban on American commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace, citing “ongoing military activity,” a move that now appears prescient.
International Reaction and Uncertainty
The international community braced for shockwaves. The United States, along with dozens of other nations, has refused to recognize Maduro’s legitimacy since his controversial 2018 re-election, instead recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019. However, a unilateral military intervention of this scale would represent a drastic and legally contentious departure from diplomatic and economic pressure tactics.
The Pentagon referred inquiries to the White House, which offered no immediate comment on the unfolding crisis. Regional powers, including Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, are likely to convene emergency meetings of organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations.
The situation remains fluid and volatile. Key questions surround the verification of Maduro’s capture, the scope of U.S. and Venezuelan casualties, the operational control of Venezuela’s military and government institutions, and the potential for widespread civil unrest or armed conflict within the country.
This is a developing story. Further updates are expected following Trump’s scheduled press conference and official responses from Caracas and world capitals.
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