In a stunning escalation of regional tensions, US President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that United States forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a “large-scale strike” on the South American nation.
The operation, which reportedly took place around 2:00 AM local time, involved multiple explosions across the capital city of Caracas. Witnesses reported low-flying aircraft and heavy smoke billowing from Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s largest military complex, as well as the La Carlota airbase.
“Proof of Life” Demanded
While President Trump took to Truth Social to claim that Nicolás Maduro has already been “flown out of the country,” the Venezuelan government initially remained in a state of confusion.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez appeared on state television shortly after the attacks, stating that the government remains unaware of the President’s exact location.
“We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” she said. “We demand proof of life from the imperialist aggressors.”
Key Details of the Attack
- The Strike: Targeted strikes hit civilian and military installations in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
- The Capture: Sources indicate the operation was led by the US Army’s elite Delta Force in coordination with US law enforcement.
- The State of Emergency: The Venezuelan government has declared a national emergency, urging citizens to take to the streets to resist what they term a “flagrant violation” of international law.
Global Reaction
The strike marks the most significant US military intervention in Latin America in decades. While Washington accuses Nicolás Maduro of narcoterrorism and election rigging, regional allies like Cuba and Colombia have reacted with alarm. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has already called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, describing the event as “state terrorism.”
The White House has announced that President Trump will hold a press conference at 11:00 AM ET from Mar-a-Lago to provide further details on the operation.
