The United States has carried out a large-scale military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to US President Donald Trump. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform early Saturday, came shortly after explosions and aerial activity were reported across Caracas, marking an unprecedented escalation in US-Venezuela tensions.

Explosions Rock Caracas and Military Bases

Eyewitness reports and video footage from Al Jazeera and the Associated Press confirm a series of explosions in multiple locations across the Venezuelan capital, including Fort Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex, and La Carlota airport. Residents described intense shaking, balls of fire, plumes of smoke, and low-flying aircraft during the early-morning attacks.

Sissi De Flavis, a journalist in Caracas, reported hearing what sounded like massive crashes and ground shaking, followed by glowing orange fires in the sky. Pedestrians flooded the streets in panic, reflecting the scale of the attacks on the city.

Trump confirmed that the operation was conducted in conjunction with US law enforcement and involved capturing Maduro and his spouse, who were reportedly flown out of Venezuela.

Maduro Declares State of Emergency

Earlier on Saturday, President Maduro declared a national state of emergency, calling the strikes a “military aggression” orchestrated by Washington. The Venezuelan government accused the United States of attempting to seize control of Venezuela’s vast oil and mineral resources, warning that such efforts would not succeed.

The attacks reportedly targeted the capital, Caracas, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, heightening fears of a broader conflict in the Latin American nation.

Rising US-Venezuela Tensions

Tensions between the US and Venezuela have escalated in recent weeks after President Trump repeatedly threatened military action against targets allegedly linked to drug trafficking networks. Earlier strikes included a US attack on docking areas used for alleged Venezuelan drug boats, marking the first known US military engagement on Venezuelan territory.

Trump has labeled the Maduro government as part of a “narcoterrorist” network, claiming, without evidence, that it intends to destabilize the US by flooding it with drugs. Maduro, in contrast, has expressed willingness to negotiate with the US to combat drug trafficking, while simultaneously condemning Washington’s sanctions and military pressure campaign.

Maduro’s Position and International Response

In a recent interview, Maduro accused the US of attempting to overthrow his government and gain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves. When asked directly about the alleged US strike, he remained noncommittal, stating, “This could be something we talk about in a few days.”

The operation marks a major escalation in US-Latin America relations and raises concerns about potential regional instability. Analysts warn that further US military actions in Venezuela could spark widespread unrest and increase geopolitical tensions in the Caribbean and South America.

Humanitarian and Political Implications

The capture of Venezuela’s president is likely to have profound effects on both domestic governance and international relations. Caracas and surrounding states, already grappling with economic hardship, may face additional humanitarian challenges, including disruptions to electricity, water, and medical services.

Political analysts suggest that the US operation could destabilize Venezuelan institutions further, complicating efforts to maintain peace in the region. With both sides signaling no immediate willingness to negotiate a broader settlement, the situation remains highly volatile.