In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States has carried out a military operation in Venezuela resulting in the capture of the country's leader, President Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan president has been indicted in the US on serious drugs and weapons charges.
Operation and Capture Details
Former US President Donald Trump released a statement confirming the operation, stating the US had 'successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader'. He announced that Maduro, along with his wife, had been 'captured and flown out of the country'. Trump attributed the action to a conjunction with US law enforcement.
Republican Senator Mike Lee later corroborated the arrest, following discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Lee stated Maduro would stand trial in the US on criminal charges and that US strikes were 'deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant'.
Chaos in Caracas
The operation triggered significant unrest in the Venezuelan capital. Witnesses reported multiple explosions, low-flying aircraft, and columns of smoke rising over Caracas in the early hours of Saturday morning, beginning around 1:50am local time.
One reported target was Fort Tiona, the headquarters of the Venezuelan ministry of defence. Smoke was also seen rising from the hangar of a military base, and another installation lost power. Civilians described a scene of panic. 'The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes in the distance,' said Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker.
International Reaction and Escalating Tensions
The Venezuelan government vehemently denounced the attack, calling it an 'imperialist attack' and urging supporters to take to the streets. It declared a 'state of external disturbance' and stated Maduro had ordered all national defence plans implemented. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro took to social media to alert that 'they are bombing Caracas' and called for immediate UN and OAS meetings.
This strike marks a significant intensification of a campaign that began with maritime operations. Since September 2, 2025, the US has conducted at least 35 strikes on suspected drug vessels in international waters, resulting in over 115 casualties. The shift to land-based targets was hinted at by Trump, who stated land strikes would be 'much easier' and would 'start very soon'.
The operation follows a confirmed CIA drone strike on Christmas Eve on a Venezuelan port facility allegedly used by the Tren de Aragua gang. Trump had previously authorised the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Maduro faces a US indictment for narco-terrorism, charges he has consistently denied.
