Former United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that the US military carried out strikes on Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolás Maduro has been captured and removed from the country in a dramatic escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of Saturday, Trump said the United States conducted what he described as a “large-scale strike” targeting Venezuela’s leadership. He alleged that President Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of the country. However, there has been no independent verification of their whereabouts.
The announcement followed reports of multiple explosions in and around Caracas shortly after midnight. Residents reported hearing at least seven loud blasts, while low-flying aircraft were seen over the capital and neighbouring states, including Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
Venezuela’s government confirmed that attacks occurred but accused the United States of aggression against a sovereign nation, saying both civilian and military installations were targeted. Officials said communications were disrupted in several areas, with power outages reported near key infrastructure.
State television urged citizens to remain calm while confirming that security forces had been placed on high alert. Emergency measures were later announced, including restrictions around strategic locations nationwide.
Trump’s claim that Maduro had been captured has heightened uncertainty within Venezuela. Senior government figures demanded proof that the president and first lady are alive and safe. A statement from the vice-presidency said authorities had not been officially informed of their status and accused Washington of spreading disinformation to destabilise the country.
If confirmed, Maduro’s removal would mark the most direct US military intervention in Venezuela in decades. Relations between both countries have remained hostile for years, characterised by economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation and repeated US accusations of corruption, human rights abuses and drug trafficking against Maduro’s government—allegations Caracas has consistently denied.
In the United States, the reported strikes have triggered sharp debate. Supporters argue the action could pave the way for political change in Venezuela, which continues to face severe economic hardship. Critics, however, have questioned the legality of the operation and warned that unilateral military action could destabilise the wider Latin American region.
Reactions across Latin America have been mixed. Some governments condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and called for urgent diplomatic engagement, while others urged restraint as they sought clarity on the unfolding situation.
In Caracas, daily life was disrupted as schools and businesses in parts of the city remained closed. Long queues formed at petrol stations and shops amid fears of further escalation and potential power struggles.
The US administration has yet to release a detailed military briefing to support Trump’s claims. Trump said he would address the nation later on Saturday, promising to outline the objectives of the operation and the next steps in US policy toward Venezuela.
