US launches large-scale strike on Venezuela, Trump claims Maduro captured
The US has carried out what President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela. He claimed the operation ended with the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were “flown out” of the country.
Explosions were reported overnight in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, with witnesses describing loud blasts and low-flying aircraft. Images shared by local media showed fires and plumes of smoke near strategic sites. However, the full scale of damage remains unclear. Any casualties are still unknown.
Trump’s claim and what is confirmed
In a social media post, Mr Trump said the US had successfully struck Venezuela and captured Mr Maduro. This was done “in conjunction with US law enforcement”. He promised further details at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
US officials cited by Reuters said American special forces were involved in the detention. However, the administration has not publicly released evidence of Mr. Maduro’s whereabouts. They also have not provided details about how he was taken into custody or where he has been transported.
Venezuela declares emergency and demands proof of life
Venezuela’s government condemned the attacks as “military aggression” and said strikes hit multiple locations including Caracas and nearby states. It announced emergency measures and called for mobilisation, while the country’s vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, demanded proof of life and information about the president’s location.
As the situation developed, there were signs of confusion inside Venezuela over who was exercising authority, with officials issuing statements but no verified public appearance by Mr Maduro.
International fallout and travel warnings
Several governments in the region and beyond criticised the US action, while some leaders called for urgent discussions at international bodies, including the UN Security Council.
The US Embassy issued security warnings to Americans in Venezuela, while US aviation authorities moved to restrict flights in or near Venezuelan airspace amid ongoing military activity.
The legal and political questions in Washington
The operation represents one of the most dramatic escalations in US–Venezuela relations in decades. It is already raising questions in Washington about legal authority. Concerns include congressional oversight. Some US lawmakers publicly queried the constitutional basis for a strike that appears to have taken place without a specific authorisation from Congress.
US officials have long accused Mr Maduro’s government of corruption and involvement in drug trafficking. Mr Maduro was indicted by US authorities in 2020 on charges including “narco-terrorism”, which he has repeatedly denied.
What happens next
Key unknowns remain. These include the extent of casualties and damage. It is unclear whether further US strikes are planned. Crucially, it is unknown whether Mr. Maduro is in US custody and under what legal process this occur.
Venezuela’s opposition, regional governments and international institutions are to face immediate pressure to respond, as the crisis threatens to destabilise an already volatile political and humanitarian situation in the country.