Trump Claims Maduro ‘Captured’ as US Strikes Venezuela; Caracas Rocked by Explosions

Washington, Jan 2026 : US President Donald Trump on Saturday made a dramatic claim that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been “captured” and “flown out” of the country following what he described as a large-scale American strike on Venezuela. The assertion came amid reports of powerful explosions rocking Caracas in the early hours of the morning, triggering panic across the Venezuelan capital and drawing sharp condemnation from the Maduro government.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States had carried out a major military operation against Venezuela and its leadership. “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 coordination with US law enforcement agencies and said further details would be shared during a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. local time at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

Shortly before and after Trump’s post, residents of Caracas reported hearing multiple loud explosions and the sound of aircraft overhead. According to media reports, at least seven powerful blasts were heard around 2:00 a.m. local time, forcing many residents to rush out of their homes in fear and confusion. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from different parts of the city, while brief power outages were reported in several neighbourhoods, including near a military installation.

Venezuela’s government issued its first official response hours later, strongly condemning Washington and accusing the Trump administration of carrying out what it termed “extremely serious military aggression.” In a sharply worded statement, authorities alleged that the attack was aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty and seizing its strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals. The government claimed the actions were an attempt to forcibly dismantle the country’s political independence.

US media outlets subsequently reported that American officials had confirmed strikes against Venezuela, though no detailed operational information was immediately released. The reports added to the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s claim of Maduro’s capture, which had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia—which also handles US affairs related to Venezuela—issued a security advisory acknowledging reports of explosions in and around Caracas. The embassy warned US citizens against travelling to Venezuela or its border regions and advised Americans currently in the country to shelter in place. “US Embassy Bogota is aware of reports of explosions in and around Caracas, Venezuela. US citizens in Venezuela should shelter in place,” the statement said.

Washington also reiterated its highest travel warning for Venezuela, maintaining a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. The notice cited severe risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in custody, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, violent crime, civil unrest and a weak health infrastructure. All US citizens were strongly urged to leave Venezuela immediately.

The embassy reminded that in March 2019, the US State Department withdrew all diplomatic personnel from Caracas and suspended embassy operations. Since then, all routine and emergency consular services have remained unavailable, limiting the US government’s ability to assist its citizens inside Venezuela.

As reports of explosions spread, Venezuelan President Maduro declared a national emergency, according to local media. Partial disruptions to telecommunications were also reported in parts of Caracas, further heightening anxiety among residents already shaken by the blasts.

The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on verifying Trump’s claims and assessing the broader implications of the reported US action. As tensions escalate, the developments mark a potentially dangerous new phase in the long-standing standoff between Washington and Caracas.

Team Maverick.