US Strikes Venezuela After Explosions in Caracas
The United States conducted military strikes in Venezuela early Saturday with explosions reported near Caracas, and President Donald Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured and flown out of the country, according to US and international media.
Reports of at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft over the Venezuelan capital surfaced before dawn, with smoke rising from key military installations. Venezuelan authorities accused the US of a serious attack and declared a national emergency.
Trump Announces Major Operation
President Trump wrote on his social platform that the US successfully carried out a “large scale strike” against Venezuela, and claimed Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. A news conference was scheduled later Saturday at Mar-a-Lago.
US officials told CBS News that strikes targeted sites inside Venezuela, including military facilities, as part of an intensified campaign against Maduro’s government. The Federal Aviation Administration prohibited US flights over Venezuelan airspace citing ongoing military activity.
Venezuelan Government Response
Venezuelan authorities immediately denounced the action as military aggression, asserting attacks hit both civilian and military targets. Maduro’s government called the strikes an “imperialist attack” and mobilized national defence plans, urging citizens to reject foreign intervention.
Regional and International Reaction
Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged urgent meetings at the United Nations and Organization of American States following reports of blasts. Cuba’s leadership condemned the US action as a criminal assault.
Context and Broader Tensions
The strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between the US and Venezuela after months of pressure from Washington over alleged drug trafficking and governance disputes. Prior US actions included naval interdictions and strikes on suspected drug operations in the region.
