US Launches Major Strike in Venezuela Amid Political Turmoil
Significant Military Action in Caracas
In a dramatic turn of events, the United States executed a substantial military strike on Venezuela early Saturday morning. President Donald Trump announced via social media that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had been apprehended and removed from the country following months of mounting pressure from Washington.
The nighttime operation resulted in multiple explosions reverberating through Caracas as low-flying aircraft traversed the city. Maduro's administration quickly condemned the US actions, labeling them an 'imperialist attack' and calling for citizens to protest in the streets.
The situation remains chaotic, with uncertainty surrounding who is currently in control of the Venezuelan government and Maduro's exact location.
Venezuela's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez, demanded 'proof of life' for both Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores during a state television broadcast.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 am ET, stating, 'Maduro has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.' He indicated that the operation was conducted in collaboration with US law enforcement, promising further details to come.
Rodriguez later reiterated on state TV that the government had no information regarding the whereabouts of Maduro or Flores, emphasizing their demand for proof of life.
Reports indicated at least seven explosions in Caracas on the third day of 2026, prompting residents to flee into the streets while others took to social media to share their experiences of the blasts. The attack reportedly lasted under 30 minutes, and it remains unclear if additional military actions will ensue. Trump claimed the strikes were executed 'successfully.'
Prior to the explosions, the US Federal Aviation Administration had prohibited American commercial flights from entering Venezuelan airspace due to 'ongoing military activity.'
This strike is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to exert pressure on Maduro, who faces charges of narco-terrorism in the US. Just last week, the CIA conducted a drone strike on a location suspected of being used by Venezuelan drug cartels, marking the first known direct US military operation on Venezuelan soil since strikes began in September.
Trump has consistently warned of the potential for military action against Venezuelan targets, following repeated assaults on vessels accused of drug trafficking. Maduro has characterized US military interventions as a thinly disguised effort to oust him from power.