Former US President Trump claimed that US forces carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, alleging that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country. These claims emerged amid reports of explosions and a declared state of emergency in Caracas.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated the operation was conducted “in conjunction with US law enforcement.” He asserted that Maduro and his wife had been removed from Venezuela. However, no independent verification has been provided by either US or Venezuelan authorities.
Earlier, multiple explosions were reported in Caracas. Residents near a major military base in southern parts of the city said they heard at least seven blasts and saw low-flying aircraft. Large areas were left without electricity, causing panic among local residents.
Al Jazeera and Reuters correspondents confirmed loud explosions and visible smoke over the city. Video footage circulating online showed flames and thick smoke rising near a body of water, reportedly close to the Fortuna military base.
Before Trump’s statement, Maduro’s government declared a nationwide state of emergency. Authorities ordered all national defense plans to be activated, calling the events “imperialist aggression.” The Venezuelan government claimed the attacks targeted both civilian and military sites in Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Officials warned that attempts to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources “will not succeed.”
The Venezuelan opposition has remained largely silent. Some opposition figures, like María Corina Machado, have previously supported US pressure on Caracas, but no comment has been made regarding Trump’s claims.
Tensions between the US and Venezuela have been escalating for years. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action and expanded US sanctions, targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking. Maduro has consistently accused Washington of pursuing regime change to gain control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
In other related news also read Trump Warns Iran of Strike, Urges Hamas to Disarm
As of now, the situation remains fluid. Explosions continue in Caracas, and no independent confirmation has verified Trump’s claims of Maduro’s capture.
