US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured and flown out of the country following large-scale US military strikes on Venezuela that triggered explosions across the capital, Caracas.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States had successfully carried out a “large-scale strike” targeting Venezuela and its leadership. He stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies and announced that further details would be provided during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence later in the day.

Several loud explosions were reported in Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, causing widespread panic among residents. Media reports said at least seven powerful blasts were heard around 2 a.m. local time, with sounds resembling aircraft flyovers. Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations across the city.

In its first official response, the Venezuelan government strongly condemned the Trump administration, accusing Washington of carrying out “extremely serious military aggression.” Caracas alleged that the attack was aimed at seizing Venezuela’s strategic resources, particularly oil and mineral reserves, and forcibly undermining the country’s political independence.

US media later reported that Washington officials had confirmed military strikes against Venezuela. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the whereabouts or condition of Maduro and his wife, adding to uncertainty surrounding Trump’s claim.

Following the attacks, the US Embassy in Bogota, which also handles US affairs related to Venezuela, issued a statement urging Americans not to travel to Venezuela or its border regions. US citizens currently in Venezuela were advised to shelter in place or leave the country immediately if possible.

The US State Department maintained its highest travel warning for Venezuela — Level 4: “Do Not Travel” — citing severe risks, including wrongful detention, terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest, crime, and poor health infrastructure. The embassy noted that all US diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from Caracas in March 2019 and that consular services remain suspended.

Reports from Caracas indicated brief power outages in several areas, including near a military installation, along with partial disruptions to telecommunications services. The explosions sparked fear across the capital, forcing residents to flee their homes amid confusion.

President Maduro reportedly declared a national emergency following the incidents, as security forces moved to secure key locations. The situation remains fluid, with international concern mounting over the potential humanitarian, political, and regional consequences of the escalating crisis.