US Launches Strikes on Venezuela, Trump Claims Maduro Captured

The United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela early Saturday, triggering explosions across the capital Caracas and plunging parts of the city into power outages. US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country, an assertion that has intensified uncertainty over Venezuela’s political control.

Explosions and Immediate Impact in Caracas

Multiple blasts were reported in Caracas during the early hours of January 3, accompanied by low-flying aircraft and visible smoke near military installations. Residents described buildings shaking as explosions echoed across the city. While the reported strike lasted less than half an hour, power outages were confirmed in several neighbourhoods, though traffic continued moving in parts of the capital. Casualty figures were not immediately available.

Trump’s Announcement and US Actions

President Trump announced the operation on his Truth Social platform, stating that the mission had been conducted “successfully” in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. He claimed that Maduro and his wife had been apprehended, adding that further details would follow at a scheduled news conference. US aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration, imposed an immediate ban on US commercial and private flights over Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity.

Venezuelan Government Response

The Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military infrastructure, describing the strikes as an “imperialist attack”. Authorities called on citizens to mobilise in the streets and announced the activation of national defence plans. A state of external disturbance was declared, granting the government expanded emergency powers and a greater role for the armed forces.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela.
• The US has accused Nicolás Maduro of narco-terrorism in American courts.
• The FAA can restrict airspace during international military conflicts.
• States of emergency in Venezuela allow suspension of certain civil rights.

Rising Regional and Global Tensions

The strikes follow months of escalating US pressure on the Maduro government, including sanctions and reported drone operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking networks. While regional reactions were still emerging, countries such as Iran condemned the US action. In the United States, some lawmakers raised constitutional concerns over the lack of explicit congressional authorisation, underscoring the potential for wider diplomatic and political fallout from the operation.