U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that American forces have detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following what he described as a “large-scale” U.S. military action against Venezuela.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump claimed that Maduro and his wife were arrested during the operation and subsequently flown out of the country. He did not, however, provide any evidence or specific operational details to substantiate the claim.
“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,” Trump wrote. He added that the operation was conducted in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies and promised further details.
Trump also announced that he would address the matter at a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
Earlier reports indicated that a series of explosions rocked Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday. Witnesses reported loud blasts and thick plumes of smoke rising near a major military facility, intensifying concerns over a potential escalation in the already strained relationship between Venezuela and the United States.
Al Jazeera reported that several explosions were heard across parts of the capital, with video footage showing flames and dense smoke emerging from a structure near a body of water. Citing sources, Al Jazeera correspondent Lucia Newman said the blasts occurred close to Fortuna, one of Caracas’ most important and strategically significant military bases.
“Fortuna is a key military base there. A series of explosions were reportedly heard throughout the area, followed by a blackout,” Newman said.
She noted that while there is growing speculation about possible U.S. involvement, the cause of the explosions has not yet been confirmed. She also suggested the possibility of internal sabotage by factions within the Venezuelan military seeking to remove President Maduro.
Similarly, the Associated Press reported that at least seven explosions were heard across Caracas, along with the sound of aircraft flying at low altitude, further fuelling speculation of a coordinated military operation.
The incidents come against the backdrop of rising tensions between Washington and Caracas.