Maduro Calls U.S. Strikes an 'Attack on Venezuela' as Reports Claim He Was Captured

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro delivered an early-morning address on state television and radio as reports emerged that U.S. military strikes were underway. Maduro condemned the actions as "an attack against the sovereignty of Venezuela," speaking flanked by military and government officials.

Claims and Official Statements

The address came before U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been "captured and flown out of the country" following what he described as a "large-scale strike" by U.S. forces. Attorney General Pam Bondi later said Maduro and Flores were indicted on charges that include a narco-terrorism conspiracy, according to U.S. statements.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses supporters during a rally marking the anniversary of the 19th-century Battle of Santa Ines in Caracas, Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2025.

Allegations of Targets and Damage

Maduro told state media that U.S. forces struck both civilian and military locations in the capital, Caracas, and in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, an account reported by The Miami Herald. He called the operations a "grave military aggression" and a violation of the United Nations Charter, warning the strikes threatened regional stability.

"This is an attack against the sovereignty of Venezuela," Maduro said. "It is an attempt to impose a colonial war and force political change by violence."

Government Response and Context

State television showed footage of soldiers deploying to protect strategic infrastructure and of government officials holding emergency meetings. Maduro also signed a decree declaring a nationwide state of "external disturbance," a measure that grants expanded emergency powers, including mobilizing security forces and limiting certain civil liberties, The Miami Herald reported.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses members of the armed forces, Bolivarian Militia, police and civilians during a rally against a possible escalation of U.S. actions toward the country at Fort Tiuna military base in Caracas, Venezuela, Nov. 25, 2025.

U.S. forces have in recent months conducted operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific; Maduro's government characterized Saturday's strikes as part of a broader U.S. effort to seize Venezuela's oil and mineral resources.

Note: Key claims about captures, indictments and strike locations were reported by U.S. officials and The Miami Herald; independent verification of all details may be limited amid ongoing developments.