Caracas was plunged into chaos in the early hours of Saturday after powerful explosions ripped through Venezuela’s capital, following claims by former US President Donald Trump that American forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a “large-scale military strike”.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States had carried out a coordinated operation against Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, who he claimed were flown out of the country.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro,” Trump wrote, describing the mission as “brilliant”.
However, Venezuela’s government has not confirmed Maduro’s capture. Instead, authorities in Caracas accused Washington of carrying out an “extremely serious military aggression” against Venezuelan territory and civilians.
Night of Explosions
AFP journalists reported that explosions began around 2:00 am (0600 GMT) and continued for nearly an hour, accompanied by the sound of helicopters circling the city.
Among the reported targets were Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela’s largest military complex in southern Caracas, and La Carlota airbase in the north. Flames and thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from Fuerte Tiuna, while blasts were also heard in La Guaira, home to the country’s main airport and seaport.
“I felt the explosions lift me out of bed,” said María Eugenia
Power outages were reported across parts of the capital as frightened residents rushed to secure essential documents and supplies.
Government Response and Regional Tension
Venezuela’s defence ministry accused the United States of targeting residential areas and announced a “massive deployment” of military resources nationwide. The government said a state of emergency had been declared, though Maduro himself was not publicly seen.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations and ordered troops to be deployed along Colombia’s border with Venezuela, citing regional security concerns.
Videos circulating on social media showed helicopters silhouetted against the night sky, while residents sheltered indoors, fearing shattered windows and further strikes.
US Pressure Campaign
Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Venezuela, accusing Maduro of leading a drug trafficking cartel—claims the Venezuelan leader has consistently denied.
Washington has intensified pressure in recent months by imposing additional sanctions, seizing Venezuelan oil tankers, informally closing the country’s airspace, and carrying out naval operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Maduro, in turn, has accused the United States of seeking regime change because Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Trump announced he would address the situation further at a news conference later on Saturday from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
