Venezuela Allies Condemn U.S. Strikes as Russia Demands “Immediate” Clarity on Maduro’s Whereabouts
CARACAS / WASHINGTON — A major geopolitical shock rippled through Latin America on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces carried out large-scale strikes in Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, flying them out of the country.
The announcement triggered swift condemnation from Caracas’ allies — with Russia calling for an urgent explanation of Maduro’s location, warning that forcing Venezuela’s leader out would be an “unacceptable” violation of sovereignty.
What Trump said happened
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the U.S. “successfully carried out” a broad strike and that Maduro and Flores were “captured and flown out of the country.”
Reuters reported Trump later told Fox News that Maduro was seized by U.S. special operations forces and moved by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima in the Caribbean before being transferred to New York, where he could face criminal proceedings.
Explosions in Caracas and reports of strikes
Residents and journalists reported multiple explosions around 2 a.m. local time, with smoke and flashes seen across the skyline. Reuters said the Venezuelan government reported attacks beyond the capital as well. Reuters
ABC News also reported loud explosions, smoke and fire near major military sites in Caracas as the announcement emerged. ABC News
Russia: “Clarify Maduro’s whereabouts — immediately”
Moscow demanded “immediate” clarification on Maduro’s whereabouts and said that if he and his wife were forced to leave, it would be an unacceptable breach of Venezuelan sovereignty. The Guardian+1
Iran and Cuba condemn the operation
Iran’s foreign ministry denounced what it described as U.S. military aggression and framed the strikes as a violation of international law, calling for international action. Cuba also condemned the U.S. move and urged a rapid international response, according to regional coverage and wire reporting cited by multiple outlets.
Venezuela officials demand “proof of life”
Venezuela’s vice president Delcy Rodríguez said she did not know Maduro’s location and demanded proof of life. Senior Venezuelan officials condemned the intervention and urged resistance.
Why this is escalating so fast
Maduro was indicted in the U.S. in 2020 on narco-terrorism and other charges, which he has repeatedly denied. Reuters reported U.S. officials signaled he could now face those cases on American soil.
What happens next
With Maduro’s whereabouts unclear to Venezuelan officials and no full U.S. operational briefing publicly released yet, the immediate questions are:
- Who controls Venezuela’s security apparatus now?
- Will Washington seek further action against Maduro’s inner circle — or stop at this operation?
- How will regional governments respond amid deep sensitivities about U.S. intervention?
This is a developing story and details may change as official statements and independent reporting continue to emerge.
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