U.S. Launches Strikes in Venezuela, Detains President Maduro and Transfers Him Abroad
The U.S. military carried out airstrikes at multiple locations across Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, and detained President Nicolás Maduro along with his wife before transferring them out of the country, according to U.S. media reports.
Explosions were reported in Caracas, where residents also witnessed low-flying aircraft over several neighborhoods. U.S. media said President Donald Trump authorized the strikes.
Venezuela’s government initially confirmed that at least seven explosions occurred in Caracas, with additional attacks reported in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. Venezuelan officials claimed the U.S. operation was aimed at seizing control of the country’s oil and mineral resources.
In an official response, the Venezuelan government rejected what it called U.S. military aggression, stating that Washington would not succeed in taking control of its resources. President Maduro also announced the imposition of a nationwide state of emergency following the attacks.
Russian media reported that U.S. strikes targeted Venezuela’s defense headquarters and claimed President Maduro had left the presidential palace. The reports also cited unconfirmed information suggesting U.S. Marines had begun ground operations on several Venezuelan islands.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s president said missiles were being fired at Caracas and called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the situation.
President Trump later confirmed that President Maduro and his wife had been detained and moved out of Venezuela. According to U.S. media, Maduro was captured by the U.S. military’s elite Delta Force unit.
The U.S. attorney general had announced a $50 million reward on August 7, 2025, for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. Republican Senator Mike Lee said he spoke by phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Maduro was arrested to face criminal charges.
According to Senator Lee, Secretary Rubio added that the United States does not plan to carry out any further military operations in Venezuela.
