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US forces detain Maduro in pre-dawn raid
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody by US special operations troops early Saturday, President Donald Trump announced. The couple face drug and weapons charges in New York federal court.
Operation details emerge
Trump told Fox & Friends that Delta Force, the US Army's elite counter-terrorism unit, extracted Maduro from a fortified Caracas residence. US personnel used industrial cutting tools to breach steel barriers, though Maduro did not reach the innermost secure area, the president said. No American troops were killed, and injuries were described as "few."
Maduro and Flores were placed aboard a vessel bound for New York, Trump confirmed during a brief call with The New York Times. He added that he had warned Maduro a week earlier to surrender, but the Venezuelan leader sought negotiations instead.
Explosions rock Caracas
Residents reported loud blasts and power outages across the capital beginning at 02:00 local time (06:00 GMT). Smoke plumes rose over military installations and civilian neighborhoods in Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira states. Videos circulating on social media show helicopters and fires, though BBC Verify has not authenticated all footage.
Venezuela's defense minister, Vladimir Padrino López, stated the government is documenting casualties from the strikes, which he claimed struck non-military zones.
Venezuela declares emergency, demands proof of life
Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez said authorities have no information on Maduro's whereabouts and insisted on "immediate proof of life." The government activated armed forces and declared a national emergency, denouncing the operation as a violation of sovereignty aimed at seizing Venezuela's oil and mineral wealth.
In a statement, Caracas accused Washington of threatening global stability and attempting to overthrow the country's political independence.
Charges and international reactions
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced indictments in the Southern District of New York for conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and illegal possession of firearms and explosives. "They will face the full wrath of American justice," Bondi wrote on X.
Russia condemned the raid as "armed aggression," while Iran called it a "flagrant violation of sovereignty." Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Cuba's Miguel Díaz-Canel labeled the action an assault on Latin American sovereignty. The EU's Kaja Kallas reiterated calls for a peaceful transition but stressed respect for international law. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he is seeking clarification from Trump.
Background: Tensions and allegations
Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013, has been a focal point of US-Venezuela friction. Washington has accused him of drug trafficking and designating his administration illegitimate, while Maduro alleges US interference to control Venezuela's oil reserves.
The US designated two Venezuelan gangs-Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles-as terrorist organizations, claiming the latter is led by Maduro. A $50 million reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. Maduro denies the allegations, calling the "war on drugs" a pretext for regime change.
In recent months, US forces conducted over two dozen strikes on suspected drug boats in international waters, resulting in more than 100 deaths.
What's next
Trump is scheduled to hold a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence at 11:00 EST (16:00 GMT) to provide further details. Republican Senator Mike Lee, citing Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said no additional military action in Venezuela is expected following Maduro's capture.
