The United States conducted a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flying them out of the country, President Donald Trump announced.
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Explosions rocked the capital, Caracas, and surrounding areas around 2 a.m. local time, with residents reporting at least seven blasts, low-flying aircraft, smoke rising from military sites, and brief power outages. Key targets included La Carlota air base, Fuerte Tiuna military complex, and other installations in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states.
Daylight images revealed significant damage at La Carlota, including burnt vehicles, a destroyed missile interceptor, damaged fencing, and firefighters on the scene.
Trump described the operation as “brilliant” and successful, conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. He scheduled a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for further details.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro and Flores have been indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related conspiracies.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said, thanking Trump and the military for the mission targeting the “alleged international narco traffickers.”
Maduro, indicted in 2020 on similar charges, now faces trial alongside his wife in this updated case.
Venezuela’s government condemned the strikes as “grave military aggression” and a violation of sovereignty, declaring a national emergency and mobilizing troops. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, stating that their whereabouts are unknown.
Officials reported civilian and military casualties but provided no figures. Allies including Cuba, Iran, and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticized the action, with Petro calling for a UN Security Council meeting.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain was “not involved in any way” in the operation, emphasizing the need to establish facts and uphold international law. He expressed intent to speak with Trump and allies.
Legal experts and some U.S. lawmakers questioned the operation’s constitutionality without congressional authorization.
The strikes follow months of U.S. pressure on Maduro, accused of leading drug trafficking networks, amid a massive military buildup in the Caribbean.
Tensions remain high in Caracas, with streets largely empty and security forces patrolling as the region awaits further developments.
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