WASHINGTON / CARACAS — The United States has carried out large-scale military strikes inside Venezuela and, according to President Donald Trump, Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country.

In a Truth Social post early Saturday, Trump said the operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement and that more details would be provided at a press conference scheduled for later in the day. He characterized the strikes as successful but did not disclose independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture or his current whereabouts.

Venezuelan Government Response
The Venezuelan government has rejected the U.S. action as an act of “military aggression” and denounced it before the international community, calling for solidarity against what it terms an “imperialist attack”.

Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, has demanded “immediate proof of life” for President Maduro and his wife, saying their exact location is unknown after the strikes.

Separately, Caracas has declared a state of national emergency, calling on citizens and political forces to mobilize in defense of sovereignty amid reports of explosions and military activity in Caracas and other regions.

Background of Escalating Tensions
The dramatic escalation follows weeks of heightened tensions between the two nations as the U.S. had increased military pressure on Venezuela. Washington has accused Maduro’s government of involvement in drug trafficking and expanded operations in the Caribbean targeting suspected trafficking networks.
The strikes and reported capture mark a significant escalation in U.S.–Venezuelan relations, drawing international attention and uncertainty over the situation on the ground and the potential regional impact.

*Details remain developing and unverified independently at this time.*