Trump Confirms "Large-Scale" Attack on Venezuela and Announces Capture of Maduro

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed this Saturday that the United States has "successfully conducted a large-scale attack against Venezuela" and that Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, has been "captured and airlifted out of the country."

"The operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement," stated Trump in a message on the Truth Social network, where he indicated he would provide more information in a press conference at 11 a.m. (16:00 GMT) at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

Earlier, President Maduro had denounced a "grave military aggression" by the U.S. and declared a state of external commotion throughout Venezuela. This coincided with reports from U.S. media suggesting Washington ordered strikes on several targets.

Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, denounced a missile attack from U.S. helicopters on civilian areas of Caracas and other locations in the country, noting that searches were underway for possible casualties.

"This invasion represents the greatest outrage the country has suffered, responding to the insatiable greed for our strategic resources," said Padrino López in a video circulated on social media.

EFE confirmed fire and some damage to the perimeter of the Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base, also known as La Carlota, the main military airport in Caracas. Besides the fire, debris from trees and destruction on the city's main highway adjacent to the military installation were observed, with uniformed personnel in vehicles surrounding the area.

An explosion occurred on a mountain near Fort Tiuna—which houses the Defense Ministry headquarters—where a power outage was also reported, along with surrounding areas, as the overflight of an aircraft was heard, according to EFE. Some areas of Caracas were left without power during the bombings.

President Trump ordered the attack last night on several targets, including military ones, in an escalation of his pressure campaign against the Maduro government, according to sources within the U.S. administration who spoke to CBS News.

Fox News also reported that Trump had decided on airstrikes against several targets, with a greater focus on the coastal area around La Guaira, near Maiquetía airport, and an area including potential key military targets.

The Venezuelan government, in turn, stated that the attacks targeted civilian locations and military installations in the states of Miranda, Aragua, La Guaira, and the capital Caracas, and ordered "the deployment of the command for the integral defense of the nation."

Maduro ordered the implementation of the decree declaring the state of "external commotion" to protect the national territory and transition "immediately to armed struggle."

Authorities also announced they would denounce the "aggression" at the UN.

Attack Decided Days Ago

President Trump ordered the attacks days ago, according to two U.S. officials who spoke to CBS News. According to the sources, the White House considered carrying them out against Venezuelan targets, including military ones, on Christmas Day but ultimately prioritized airstrikes in Nigeria against alleged Islamic State (IS) camps.

Military sources indicated the Pentagon was waiting for more favorable weather conditions for the success of this operation. The U.S. Air Force issued an official notice this Saturday prohibiting all aircraft from flying in Venezuelan airspace.

Trump mentioned in November the possibility of attacks on Venezuelan territory amid his campaign against Venezuela and the Maduro government, whom he accuses of allegedly leading a drug trafficking network.

Colombia, Cuba, and Iran Denounce the Attack

Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia said this Saturday they would not comment on the matter for the moment, according to their official spokespersons on X.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his government's "deep concern" over the explosions in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela due to "the consequent escalation of tension in the region."

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also denounced this Saturday's "criminal attack" by the United States against Venezuela as "state terrorism" and demanded an "urgent" reaction from the international community.

Iran condemned the U.S. military attack as a "flagrant violation of international law."

In contrast, Argentine President Javier Milei celebrated the capture of Maduro announced by Trump.

In the U.S., Democratic senators condemned the airstrikes on Venezuelan territory ordered by Trump, with Arizona's Rubén Gallego stating on X, "This war is illegal."