The United States launched a large-scale military attack on Venezuela early on Saturday, striking multiple locations including the capital, Caracas, in what US President Donald Trump described as a coordinated operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and their removal from the country.
Trump announced on social media that the strikes had been successful and that the couple had been flown out of Venezuela and would face charges in US courts, citing long-standing accusations against Maduro and his government, including allegations of involvement in drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, report international media.
Explosions and the sounds of low-flying aircraft were reported across Caracas and surrounding states in the early hours, with plumes of smoke seen rising above key installations. Residents described shaking ground and unexpected blasts that disrupted power in some areas, while video footage circulated showing bursts of flame and smoke over the city’s skyline. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency, mobilised defence plans and urged citizens to respond to what they termed an external assault on the nation.
Following the announcement, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government had no reliable information on the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife and demanded proof of life, signalling that Caracas disputes US statements about the operation and its outcome. The Venezuelan government condemned the strikes as military aggression and a blatant violation of the country’s sovereignty, accusing the US of attempting to seize control of its vast natural resources.
The strikes represent the most direct US military action against Venezuela in decades and follow months of escalating tension between the two countries, including sanctions, naval deployments, and previous strikes on alleged drug smuggling operations linked by Washington to Venezuelan actors. US officials have repeatedly labelled Maduro’s government as criminal and illegitimate, framing the campaign as part of a broader effort to clamp down on narcotics trafficking and restore democratic governance in Venezuela.
US prepared for ‘second wave’ of strikes
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said that Maduro and his wife were travelling to New York after being captured by the United States. The US president added that the pair had been indicted in New York and would be transported to the state by helicopter and ship.
No American soldiers were killed in the operation, although some were injured, he said, adding that the United States is prepared for a “second wave” of strikes against any remaining Maduro loyalists in the country.
Trump also said he believes American companies will be “heavily involved” in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure.
Asked whether he would support opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—who is currently in Norway—to take over Venezuela, Trump told Fox News, “We are going to have to look at it right now.”
Meanwhile, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife had both been indicted on narco-terrorism charges following the military action in Venezuela.
International response
The international response has been immediate and strongly divided. Many countries and regional organisations condemned the US military action. Russia’s Foreign Ministry denounced the strikes as an “act of armed aggression” and urged restraint and dialogue, warning against further escalation. Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement strongly condemning what it described as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cuba’s government called the US operation a “criminal attack” and demanded an urgent response from the global community, framing the action as state terrorism affecting the wider region.
Several Latin American leaders also expressed alarm. Mexico’s government condemned the military action as a serious threat to regional stability, while Chile’s president emphasised the need for peaceful resolution and adherence to international law, calling for dialogue rather than force. Colombia’s president urged the United Nations to intervene and convene an emergency session to address the conflict and its implications for peace and security. Spain and other European officials underscored the importance of de-escalation and respect for international norms, with offers to mediate a negotiated solution.
In contrast, some political figures and governments expressed support or positive sentiments about the capture of Maduro. Argentina’s president celebrated the development as a milestone against authoritarianism, while other leaders in the region aligned with US criticism of Maduro’s regime highlighted their support for accountability and justice.
Amid the heightened tensions, global legal and diplomatic institutions face pressure to respond. Questions have been raised about the legality of the US action under international law and the United Nations Charter, which generally prohibits the use of force against sovereign states without specific authorisation. Calls for urgent multilateral engagement to prevent further conflict and avert humanitarian fallout have emerged from various capitals and international organisations.
The situation remains fluid, with details about the operation’s execution, the precise status of Venezuelan leadership, and the broader geopolitical consequences still unfolding. Regional security officials are monitoring potential refugee movements and economic disruptions, while diplomatic channels remain active as governments seek clarity and coordinate responses to the rapidly evolving crisis.
