WASHINGTON: The United States has carried out a large-scale military operation against Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in what President Donald Trump described as a brilliant and successful operation.
Trump announced the development early Saturday on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying U.S. forces, working alongside American law enforcement agencies, had conducted a coordinated strike and were flying the Venezuelan leader out of the country.
Speaking briefly in a phone interview, Trump praised the operation, crediting “excellent planning” and the efforts of U.S. troops.
He declined to say whether congressional approval was sought, noting that further details would be provided at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Following the announcement, Venezuela accused the United States of launching military attacks on Caracas and several other states, including Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Large explosions were reported near military installations, including areas around La Carlota Airport in the capital.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and strongly condemned what it called U.S. military aggression, urging citizens and political groups to mobilize against what it described as an imperialist invasion.
Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, said the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife were unknown and demanded proof of life from the U.S. government.
U.S. officials said there were no American casualties, though Venezuelan authorities reported deaths and injuries, with the exact number yet to be determined.
The operation follows months of escalating tension between Washington and Caracas. Since August, the U.S. has built up a significant military presence in the Caribbean, deploying about 15,000 troops, warships, aircraft and special operations forces.
The U.S. has also carried out drone strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels and targeted Venezuela’s oil shipments, disrupting the country’s main source of revenue.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, was indicted in the United States in 2020 on charges including drug trafficking and corruption. The U.S. State Department had placed a $50 million reward on information leading to his arrest.
International reactions have been mixed. Argentina’s President Javier Milei welcomed the development, while leaders in Cuba and other countries condemned the U.S. action. Colombia has begun deploying troops to its border amid fears of a refugee influx.
Uncertainty now surrounds Venezuela’s leadership, as its constitution states that power should pass to the vice president in the event of a president’s removal, though analysts say the situation remains fluid and unprecedented.
