Trump Announces Capture of Maduro Following Massive U.S. Airstrikes in Caracas
In a stunning escalation of the "maximum pressure" campaign, President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that U.S. special operations forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a series of precision airstrikes across the capital city.
The operation, which began around 2:00 a.m. local time, targeted key military installations and communication hubs, leaving the Maduro administration in disarray. "The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader," the President posted on Truth Social. "Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country."
A Pre-Dawn Blitz in the Capital
Witnesses in Caracas described a night of terror and confusion as the sounds of low-flying aircraft and at least seven major explosions rocked the city. The strikes reportedly hit Fort Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex, and the La Carlota airbase. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the skyline as power outages flickered across southern neighborhoods of the capital.
Sources within the administration confirmed to CBS News that the operation was carried out by the Army’s elite Delta Force. Officials stated the mission was the culmination of months of military buildup in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.
From "Narco-State" to New York Jail
The capture follows years of U.S. indictments against Maduro for narco-terrorism and corruption. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that Maduro is being transported to the Southern District of New York to face charges including cocaine importation conspiracy and the possession of destructive devices.
"This was a brilliant operation," Trump told reporters, signaling that the move was necessary to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and end the "reign of a dictator." For months, the administration has framed the conflict as an "armed struggle" against drug cartels, a legal justification that allowed the White House to bypass traditional congressional approval for war.
Capitol Hill and the World React
The reaction in Washington was swift and deeply polarized. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the move, stating that Maduro would finally face justice. However, some voices on both sides of the aisle raised concerns over the lack of a formal declaration of war.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) initially questioned the constitutional justification for the strikes but later acknowledged the President’s authority to protect U.S. interests after a briefing from State Department officials.
Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) was more blunt, taking to social media to call the operation an "illegal war."
Internationally, the fallout is already being felt. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, while leaders in Russia and Cuba have condemned the strikes as an act of "imperialist aggression."
What Happens Next?
With Maduro reportedly in U.S. custody, the future of the Venezuelan government remains uncertain. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who remains in Caracas, has declared a state of "external disturbance" and urged supporters to take to the streets in a "mass mobilization."
As the sun rises over a transformed Caracas, the world waits to see if this "brilliant operation" will lead to the democratic transition the White House expects, or a prolonged regional conflict.
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