U.S. Strike in Caracas Leaves Maduro Missing as Trump Calls Operation ‘Brilliant’

President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro had been captured after the United States conducted a “large-scale strike” on the country early Saturday morning. The president wrote on Truth Social at 4:21 a.m. ET: “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.”

In an overnight phone interview with The New York Times, Trump described the covert operation as “brilliant,” citing “great planning” and “great people.” Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s next-in-line presidential candidate, demanded “proof of life” for Maduro, stating: “The cradle of the Liberator was attacked. In the face of this situation, we do not know the whereabouts of President Maduro. We demand from Donald Trump proof of life of President Maduro.”

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ban on U.S. commercial flights in Venezuelan airspace ahead of explosions in Caracas. Witnesses reported ground shaking and loud blasts, with one 21-year-old office worker describing how “the air was hitting us” as she walked home from a birthday party. Smoke rose from military bases near the capital, while parts of the city remained without power for hours after the strikes.

The U.S. has escalated pressure on Maduro, who faces drug-related charges in American courts. The CIA conducted a drone strike last week targeting Venezuelan drug cartels—a move the administration calls its first direct operation on Venezuelan soil since September. Trump previously threatened to order strikes on Venezuelan land following attacks on suspected drug boats.

Venezuela’s government declared a “state of external disturbance,” granting Maduro authority to suspend rights and expand military powers. It urged supporters to protest, stating: “People to the streets!” The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela warned citizens to shelter in place amid reports of explosions near Caracas.

The strikes follow a pattern of U.S. military actions targeting Venezuelan vessels since September, with 35 known attacks and at least 115 deaths reported by the Trump administration. A U.S. aircraft carrier has been deployed off South America, marking the largest regional military presence in generations.

Iranian state television documented explosions in Caracas Saturday, highlighting ties between Tehran and Maduro’s government that have deepened since both nations share hostility toward the United States.