US President Donald Trump announced early Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been "captured and flown out of the country." This claim followed reports of multiple explosions and aircraft sounds over Caracas, including near a central military base.

Escalation in Venezuela: Bombings and Alleged Capture

Following the reported military activity, President Maduro declared a state of emergency. He immediately accused the United States of engaging in "military aggression" against his nation.

The Trump administration has previously leveled accusations against Maduro, alleging without providing evidence that he leads a drug cartel. This alleged capture follows months of threats by President Trump to attack Venezuela, remove its leader, and potentially seize the country's extensive oil reserves.

Official Reactions and Casualties

Venezuela's Defense Minister, Vladimir Padrino, stated that both civilian and military installations were targeted by the US attack. Authorities are currently working to ascertain the extent of any casualties resulting from the strikes.

Padrino strongly condemned the action, denouncing US "imperialism" and "greed for our natural resources." He affirmed that Venezuela would actively resist any presence of foreign troops on its soil.

Attorney General Tarek William Saab addressed the nation on television, reporting that "innocent victims have been mortally wounded and others killed by this criminal terrorist attack." Saab also demanded concrete proof that both President Maduro and his wife, who was reportedly captured alongside him, are still alive.

Lack of Authorization and Next Steps

President Trump offered minimal specifics regarding the military operation, which reportedly occurred after a series of boat bombings in international waters over the preceding month. Crucially, the President did not secure authorization from Congress for these strikes.

Trump stated that the operation carried out on Saturday was conducted in coordination with American law enforcement agencies. He scheduled a press conference to address the situation at his Mar-a-Lago resort for 11 am ET that same day.

International Condemnation

News of the alleged US military intervention in Venezuela immediately sparked widespread outrage from critics.

Nancy Okail, President and CEO of the Center for International Policy, stated, "This goes beyond broken promises of peacemaking." She further asserted that President Trump was initiating an "illegal assault on Venezuela," dragging the US into another military action without authorization or a demonstrable national security threat.

Okail concluded with an urgent call to action: "Congress must act now to halt further military escalations."