President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured in a “large-scale” U.S. military operation, marking the most significant American intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama. Trump described the mission as a “brilliant operation” carried out in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement, and said all personnel involved returned safely.
The strike comes after months of escalating pressure from the Trump Administration, which has repeatedly accused Maduro of running a “narco state” and called for him to step down. Maduro was indicted in 2020 on corruption and drug trafficking charges in the United States, and the State Department had offered a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Vice President JD Vance said Trump offered Maduro “multiple off ramps,” but emphasized that drug trafficking must end and that stolen Venezuelan oil must be returned. Attorney General Pam Bondi said both Maduro and Flores would face criminal charges on American soil.
Explosions were reported across Caracas early Saturday, with witnesses seeing strikes around 2 a.m. local time. Videos circulating on social media showed large blasts and low-flying aircraft over the city. Venezuelan officials said attacks occurred not only in the capital but also in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. Photos showed parts of Fuerte Tiuna, the country’s largest military complex, engulfed in flames.
Nahum Fernández, a leader of Venezuela’s ruling party, said Maduro and his wife were captured at their home inside Fuerte Tiuna, calling the operation a “kidnapping” of the president and first lady. Defense Minister Gen. Vladimir Padrino López condemned the U.S. action as an “invasion” and a “blatant outrage,” while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life and said she did not know the couple’s whereabouts.
Trump reportedly authorized the operation several days ago after months of threats to target Venezuelan drug shipments. The administration has deployed significant military resources to the region, including the U.S.S. Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, eight warships, 10,000 troops, and 10 F-35 fighter jets in Puerto Rico. The CIA also conducted covert operations in support of the raid.
In a post-raid interview, Trump said poor weather had initially delayed the operation. He described Maduro’s location as heavily guarded and likened it to a fortress. The president said a few U.S. personnel were lightly injured but all were in good condition, and he planned to hold a news conference at Mar-a-Lago later Saturday.
The U.S. move drew immediate international attention, with analysts noting questions over the legality of such a strike without congressional approval. At least 115 people have been killed in previous U.S. operations targeting alleged drug shipments since September. Observers warned that the capture of Maduro could trigger broader regional instability.
