Trump orders strikes on Venezuela, Maduro declares national emergency

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has declared a national emergency following explosions and aircraft activity over the capital, Caracas, on Saturday morning. The president described the attacks as part of an effort by the United States to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump reportedly ordered strikes on Venezuelan military sites, including airfields and key military installations, according to US officials cited by CBS News.

Eyewitnesses in Caracas reported explosions at La Carlota military airfield in the city centre and at Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s main military base. Videos circulating on social media showed flames and thick smoke rising above the capital. Several nearby communities were reported to be without power.

The Trump administration has accused Maduro of drug trafficking and alleged that his government is involved in activities that threaten the United States. Washington has also recently seized sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers as part of broader pressure on the Maduro government.

In response, the Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning the US action, saying it “rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory.”

The government insists that Washington’s actions aim to force Maduro from power and take control of the country’s natural resources.

Reports of explosions and aircraft over Caracas come amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela, following weeks of military and economic pressure by Washington