The United States has reportedly carried out a large-scale military strike against Venezuela in what would mark a dramatic escalation in months of heightened tension between the two countries.
Multiple explosions were heard across Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, in the early hours of Saturday as low-flying aircraft were seen sweeping over the city. Witnesses reported smoke rising from the hangar of a military base, while residents fled into the streets amid the blasts. Videos of the explosions were widely shared on social media.
According to Venezuelan government sources, the strikes, which reportedly lasted about 30 minutes, also targeted locations in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
In a post on Truth Social, former US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been “captured” and flown out of the country following what he described as a “successful large-scale strike.” Trump said the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies, adding that further details would be released.
A US official, speaking to the Reuters news agency, claimed that Maduro was taken into custody by elite special forces. Meanwhile, sources within Venezuela’s opposition told Sky News they believe the development may have been the result of a “negotiated exit” rather than a purely military operation.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation from the Venezuelan government regarding Maduro’s alleged capture or departure from the country. State authorities have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the claims.
The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments amid concerns over regional stability and the potential humanitarian consequences of further escalation.
