Trump says Venezuelan president Maduro ‘captured’ after US strikes

US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been “captured and flown out of the country” following a large-scale US military strike on Caracas early Saturday.

Trump said in a statement that the operation was carried out successfully and in conjunction with US law enforcement. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country,” he said.

Witnesses in Caracas reported explosions, low-flying aircraft, and columns of smoke rising from military installations including Fort Tiuna, headquarters of Venezuela’s Ministry of Defence, and La Carlota Airport. Several surrounding communities experienced power outages, while residents rushed to the streets in panic.

Venezuela’s government condemned the attack, calling on supporters to take to the streets and activate national defense plans. The Communications Ministry said the strike was an act of “US military aggression” and urged all political forces to reject the operation.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also reacted, posting on X: “Alert everyone, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles. The OAS and UN must meet immediately.”

This latest strike comes amid escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of drug trafficking and previously authorised covert operations by the CIA targeting Venezuelan ports and vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean alleged to be carrying drugs bound for the United States.