Amanze Chinonye
Multiple explosions, columns of smoke, and the roar of low-flying aircraft shook Venezuela’s capital early Saturday, marking an extraordinary escalation in U.S.-Venezuelan tensions.
U.S. President Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that the United States had carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and that President Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, had been captured and flown out of the country.
Trump described the operation as conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement” and promised further details at a scheduled press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort later Saturday.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump wrote.
READ ALSO : Maduro Signals Willingness to Talk with U.S. on Drugs, Oil Amid Rising Tensions
The White House did not provide further confirmation immediately, and the claim has not yet been independently verified by major international news agencies. The operation, would mark the first direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America of this scale since the 1989 invasion of Panama, aimed at deposing military leader Manuel Noriega.
Residents reported at least seven explosions in the capital around 2 a.m. local time, along with visible columns of smoke and low-flying aircraft. Power outages affected parts of southern Caracas, including areas near a major military base.
Footage verified by the Associated Press showed tracers, smoke, and urban streets illuminated by explosions. Witnesses described the ground shaking and said vehicles were moving freely even as some neighbourhoods were evacuated.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace due to “ongoing military activity” ahead of the explosions.
Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the strikes, calling them an act of “imperialist aggression.” In a state media broadcast, Padrino urged citizens to mobilise in defence of the nation: “Free, independent and sovereign Venezuela rejects with all the strength of its libertarian history the presence of these foreign troops, which have only left behind death, pain and destruction… Let us unite, for in the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and to triumph.”
The Venezuelan government also declared a state of external disturbance, empowering Maduro to expand the role of the armed forces and suspend certain civil liberties. It remains unclear who is running the country. Under Venezuelan law, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume leadership in Maduro’s absence, though there has been no confirmation that she has formally taken power.
The strikes come after months of rising U.S.-Venezuelan tensions, including accusations against Maduro of running a “narco-state” and election rigging, multiple U.S. strikes on vessels allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific, and threats from the Trump administration of potential land operations in Venezuela.
Maduro, in turn, has described U.S. actions as an effort to seize Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Explosions, smoke, and aircraft activity in Caracas have been confirmed by journalists and eyewitnesses. Claims of Maduro’s capture and removal have only been reported by U.S. officials and President Trump.
The situation is rapidly evolving, and international observers are calling for confirmation from independent sources regarding the status of Venezuela’s leadership and the scale of U.S. operations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
