US Claims Capture of Venezuela’s President as Airstrikes Hit Caracas

Washington - Caracas Tensions Explode Into Open Crisis

The United States says it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and launched what former President Donald Trump described as a “large-scale” military operation against Venezuela, sharply escalating weeks of mounting tensions between the two countries.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Maduro and his wife have been indicted in New York on serious charges, including drug trafficking and weapons offenses. She said Maduro would be brought to the United States to “face justice in American courts,” though details of his wife’s charges were not disclosed.

The claims, which Venezuela has strongly rejected, triggered immediate shock across the region and sparked fears of wider instability in South America.

Explosions Reported Across Caracas

Residents in Caracas reported loud explosions and fires overnight, with video footage showing thick plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations. BBC Verify confirmed strikes near the La Carlota military air base, the Port of La Guaira, and Higuerote Airport in Miranda state.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic. “My heart was pumping and my legs were shaking,” one resident told reporters, as security forces sealed off affected areas.

Venezuela’s government declared a national emergency, condemning the strikes as “extremely serious military aggression.”

International Reaction and Regional Alarm

Latin American leaders quickly responded. Colombia deployed troops to its border, while Chile and Cuba condemned the US action. Guyana said its security forces were fully mobilized, and Trinidad and Tobago urged calm and diplomacy.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Britain was not involved and said London was working to ensure the safety of UK nationals in Venezuela.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later suggested no further military action was expected, according to Republican lawmakers.

Who Leads Venezuela Now?

If Maduro’s removal is confirmed, questions remain over who would take control. Analysts point to Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino as key figures. The loyalty of the military is expected to be decisive.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s opposition, led by María Corina Machado, is demanding deeper political change beyond Maduro’s departure.