President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that U.S. military forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a large-scale strike on the South American nation. The operation, described by Trump as conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” marks an unprecedented direct intervention aimed at removing the longtime authoritarian leader.
Trump broke the news in a post on his Truth Social platform: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow.”
Reports from Caracas confirm multiple explosions rocked the capital and surrounding areas overnight, with eyewitnesses describing low-flying aircraft and power outages in parts of the city. Smoke was seen rising from key military sites, including La Carlota airfield and Fuerte Tiuna base. U.S. officials told multiple outlets that elite special forces, including members of the Army’s Delta Force, executed the capture with no reported American casualties.
The operation culminates months of intensifying U.S. pressure on Maduro, whom Washington has long accused of leading a “narco-terrorist” regime involved in massive drug trafficking. Maduro faces U.S. indictments on charges of narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug smuggling, with a $15 million bounty previously offered for his arrest. The Trump administration has conducted dozens of strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels and imposed sweeping sanctions, labeling Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” a terrorist organization.
Venezuelan officials reacted swiftly and defiantly. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state television, stating that Maduro’s whereabouts are unknown and demanding “proof of life” from the U.S. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López vowed resistance to any foreign troops, while the government declared a national state of emergency, mobilizing forces and urging citizens to defend the nation.
Regional reactions poured in quickly. Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the news on social media, posting “Liberty advances.” Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro announced border troop deployments in anticipation of potential refugee flows.
The capture raises immediate questions about Venezuela’s political future. Under the Venezuelan constitution, power would nominally pass to the vice president, but the chaotic situation leaves leadership uncertain. International observers warn of potential instability, including refugee outflows or internal power struggles.
President Trump is scheduled to hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET from Mar-a-Lago to provide further details. The White House has not yet commented on Maduro’s destination or next steps in custody.
This development represents one of the most bold foreign policy moves in recent U.S. history, drawing comparisons to past interventions while risking broader regional fallout. Developments are ongoing.