U.S. Forces Captured Venezuela’s President in Major Operation, Trump Claims

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that American forces had carried out a major military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country. 

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the United States had launched what he described as a “large-scale strike” targeting Venezuela’s leadership, adding that the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies. He announced that further details would be shared at a press conference scheduled later in the day at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

If confirmed, the action would mark the most direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama, which led to the arrest of then-leader Manuel Noriega.

Reports from Caracas early Saturday indicated multiple explosions and the sound of low-flying aircraft across the Venezuelan capital and surrounding regions. An AFP journalist reported hearing loud blasts around 2 a.m. local time, while residents in states including Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira also reported similar incidents.

Unverified videos circulating on social media appeared to show explosions near key infrastructure sites, including a claim of strikes at Higuerote Airport, east of Caracas. U.S. media outlets such as CBS News and Fox News reported that American forces were conducting strikes on Venezuelan military facilities, though official confirmation of specific targets remained pending.

The Venezuelan government acknowledged attacks in several regions and declared a national emergency. In a statement, authorities accused Washington of attempting to seize the country’s oil and mineral wealth, vowing that such efforts would fail. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chávez, has long accused the United States of pursuing regime change under the guise of democracy and anti-narcotics efforts. Washington, meanwhile, has repeatedly labelled his administration a “narco-state” and accused it of manipulating elections to remain in power.

Trump has previously advocated aggressive measures against Caracas, including oil blockades, sweeping sanctions, and maritime strikes on vessels the U.S. claims are linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. He has also openly discussed the possibility of land-based operations in Venezuela.

However, at the time of filing this report, there was no independent confirmation of Maduro’s alleged capture.

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