Explosions Shatter Caracas as US Launches Deadly Strikes
Chaos erupted in Caracas overnight as multiple explosions rocked the Venezuelan capital following a massive US airstrike. Videos show smoke and fire lighting up the sky, plunging the city into darkness after widespread power outages.
Witnesses heard low-flying aircraft just before at least seven powerful blasts struck key military bases, civilian sites, and critical infrastructure around 1am local time.
Trump Declares Maduro Captured After Bold US Raid
Donald Trump has sensationally confirmed the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro following the strikes. Taking to Truth Social, Trump declared: “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.”
The operation involved close cooperation with US law enforcement and marks a major escalation in US-Venezuela tensions, coming just days after covert attacks on Maduro’s drug-controlled ports.
Venezuela Calls It ‘Military Aggression’ and Rallies Forces
Venezuelan officials slammed the US action as an “extremely serious military aggression,” urging all political and social forces to mobilise amid the crisis.
- Power cuts hit southern Caracas following the assault
- Strikes targeted La Carlota Airport, Francisco de Miranda Air Base, Fort Tiuna, El Volcán, and La Guaira Port
- Armoured vehicles were seen moving toward Maduro’s presidential palace as military patrols intensified
World Reacts: Condemnations and Cautions
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro: “Right now they are bombing Caracas… Alert to the whole world, they have attacked Venezuela. They are bombing with missiles.”
- Iran: Condemned the “American military attack” on Venezuela.
- US FAA: Suspended all flights over Venezuela citing a “potentially hazardous situation.”
Trump’s Deadly Campaign to Topple Maduro
Since 2025, Trump’s administration has ramped up military pressure on Maduro, deploying warships, troops, and the US’s largest aircraft carrier to the Caribbean. The goal: cripple Maduro by hitting narcotics networks that fund his regime.
Cesar Alvarez Velasquez, Latin America organised crime expert, told The Sun: “The pressure the US is applying on the Maduro regime is not sustainable… this pressure can’t go longer than the first quarter of 2026.”
Insiders speculate Maduro could be ousted soon, either by an internal coup or US forces.
The High Stakes: Maduro’s Last Stand
Maduro has declared a state of emergency and called on allies like Putin and China for support. But with US blockades tightening and drug operations under attack, his grip is slipping fast.
The US Embassy in Caracas warns citizens to stay indoors and avoid travel as the city braces for further conflict.
Key Facts on Venezuela Airstrikes
- Donald Trump confirms Maduro’s capture amid US airstrikes
- At least seven explosions tear through Caracas
- Military and civilian targets hit, including airports and ports
- Power outages blanket parts of the capital
- Venezuela condemns US action and calls for mobilisation
