Washington: US President Donald Trump has claimed that US forces carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. The announcement comes amid explosions in Caracas and a declared nationwide state of emergency.
Trump’s statement on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had launched a major military operation against Venezuela “in conjunction with US law enforcement.” He claimed that Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country,” though there has been no independent confirmation from US or Venezuelan authorities.
Explosions reported in Caracas
Earlier, multiple explosions and plumes of smoke were reported in Venezuela’s capital. Residents near a major military base in the southern part of the city said they heard at least seven blasts and saw low-flying aircraft. Large areas were left without electricity, triggering panic. Al Jazeera and Reuters correspondents confirmed loud explosions and visible smoke. Video footage circulating online showed flames and thick smoke near a structure close to the Fortuna military base.
Venezuela declares state of emergency
Before Trump’s statement, Maduro’s government announced a nationwide state of emergency. Authorities ordered all national defense plans to be activated, describing the situation as “imperialist aggression.” The government accused the United States of targeting civilian and military installations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, claiming the attacks were aimed at seizing Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. Maduro’s administration warned that such actions “will not succeed” and pledged to defend national sovereignty.
Opposition response
Venezuela’s opposition has yet to comment officially on the reports of a US strike or Trump’s claims. Opposition figure María Corina Machado, a vocal critic of Maduro who has previously backed US pressure on Caracas, including sanctions, is currently unaccounted for.
Escalating US-Venezuela tensions
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Venezuela and has intensified US pressure through sanctions and operations against vessels accused of drug trafficking. Maduro has long accused Washington of seeking regime change to gain control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
