Live Updates: Trump Claims Maduro Captured in Major Strike on Venezuela

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The United States and Venezuela: A New Escalation

CARACAS, Venezuela — In a dramatic turn of events, the United States has reportedly carried out a "large scale strike" on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to a social media post by former President Donald Trump. This development has sent shockwaves through the region, with reports of explosions and smoke rising in multiple locations across Caracas, including key military facilities. Aircraft were seen flying over the capital, adding to the tension.

The Venezuelan government has accused the U.S. of conducting "severe military aggression" in Caracas and other states such as Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. An official statement from the Foreign Ministry declared a state of emergency, urging the entire country to mobilize against what it calls "imperialist aggression."

There has been no immediate comment from the Pentagon or U.S. Southern Command, both of which have referred queries to the White House.

Explosions and Power Outages

Residents in various parts of Caracas reported loud explosions and power outages. Near the Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base in La Carlota, one woman described the detonations as "deafening." Smoke was seen rising from one of the air base’s hangars, and residents experienced significant disruptions.

International Reactions

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council, condemning the attack as an aggression against Venezuela and Latin America. He has also deployed forces to the border and is preparing resources for a potential influx of refugees.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared on state television, wearing a protective vest and helmet alongside security officials. He described the U.S. attack as "cowardly" and expressed hope that the world would condemn the operation. He claimed "bombs" were falling on buildings where civilians live.

Political Context

Days before the attack, Maduro had expressed openness to talks with Washington. In an interview, he accused the U.S. of using "threats, intimidation and force" to impose its will on Venezuela. However, he also stated that his government was ready to discuss agreements on drug trafficking and oil investment.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, speaking on state television, said the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or his wife and demanded the U.S. provide "immediate proof of life." She condemned the act as a "brutal" aggression that left military officials and civilians dead.

Military Response

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López appeared in a video statement, confirming that the U.S. attacks targeted Fuerte Tiuna, the main military complex in Caracas, along with other locations in Caracas, Miranda, and Aragua. He announced a "massive deployment of all land, air, naval, river and missile resources" to defend the territory.

Domestic and International Condemnation

Democratic senators have condemned the "war" in Venezuela, with Sen. Brian Schatz stating, "We have no vital national interests in Venezuela to justify war." Sen. Ruben Gallego called the action "illegal" and criticized the shift from "world cop to world bully."

Republican Sen. Mike Lee questioned the constitutional justification for the action, noting the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force.

Regional Allies Speak Out

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the "criminal U.S. attack on Venezuela," demanding an urgent reaction from the international community. Colombian President Gustavo Petro also condemned the attack, calling for de-escalation and dialogue while taking preventive steps to protect civilians.

Ongoing Confusion and Uncertainty

The cause of the explosions in Caracas remains unclear. The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá warned U.S. citizens not to travel to Venezuela and urged those already there to shelter in place. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice prohibiting all U.S. commercial flights from operating over Venezuelan airspace due to "flight risks associated with ongoing military activity."

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with questions about the implications of this escalation and the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations.