President Maduro captured after US large-scale strike on Venezuela

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after launching a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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,”
He also said he would hold a news conference at 11:00am (1600 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Explosions and loud noises were reported in Caracas early Saturday, with smoke seen near Fort Tiuna, a major military area, during a complete blackout. Similar blasts were also heard in La Guaira, near the capital’s airport and port. Reports said attacks also took place in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira provinces.

The Venezuelan government said it does not know the current whereabouts of Maduro or First Lady Cilia Flores. Following the attacks, Maduro declared a national emergency and ordered defence forces to mobilise.

The United States has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging last year’s election. Maduro has rejected these claims and has repeatedly said Washington wants control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world.

A US senator said the military action has now ended. Senator Mike Lee quoted Secretary of State Marco Rubio as saying:
“He anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody.”

US media outlets earlier reported that American forces were carrying out strikes in Venezuela, a move that many Venezuelans had feared for weeks. The explosions were heard around 2:00am (0600 GMT), according to journalists on the ground.

Venezuela strongly condemned the attacks, saying:
“Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also reacted, posting on X:
“At this moment they are bombing Caracas. Alert everyone — they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The (Organisation of American States) and the UN must meet immediately.”

The US has recently increased its military presence in the region, including warships, fighter jets, and an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean. Trump has also announced a blockade of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and multiple strikes on vessels the US claims were linked to drug trafficking.

While the Trump administration accuses Venezuela of sending drugs into the US, Maduro’s government has denied these claims. Several countries have criticised the attacks, calling them illegal and warning of serious consequences for the region.