The United States has captured Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife following what President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale” military strike against the country.
Trump announced that Maduro and his wife had been flown out of Venezuela, though details of the operation remain limited. He said the action was carried out in conjunction with US law enforcement agencies, adding that further information would be released at a news conference later in the day.
Venezuela’s government has demanded immediate proof of life for the president and the First Lady, saying it is not aware of their current whereabouts. Authorities in Caracas also declared a state of national emergency and rejected what they described as military aggression against the country.
Residents in the capital reported loud explosions as strikes rocked parts of the city. One eyewitness said the blasts caused buildings to shake, adding that fear spread quickly across neighbourhoods as smoke rose into the sky.
Footage circulating online showed large plumes of smoke and fires burning in several locations across Caracas, while helicopters were seen flying overhead.
The developments follow weeks of heightened tension between Washington and Caracas, with the US accusing Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking network — an allegation he has repeatedly denied. The US has also refused to recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president after the 2024 elections, which were widely criticised as neither free nor fair.
Venezuela, on its part, has accused the US of attempting to seize its oil and mineral resources, describing the strikes as an attack on the country’s sovereignty.
The Defence Minister announced the immediate deployment of armed forces nationwide, calling on the military and citizens to resist what he described as the worst aggression the country has faced. He said investigations were ongoing to determine casualties and damage, alleging that some strikes hit civilian areas.
Analysts say if Maduro has indeed been removed from power, the situation inside Venezuela remains highly uncertain. While some believe the move could open the way for the opposition to take control, others warn that the loyalty of the military and armed groups to Maduro could lead to further instability.
Supporters and critics alike are watching closely as events continue to unfold, with concerns growing about the impact on civilians and the future political direction of Venezuela.
