Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addressed the nation early Saturday, describing the U.S. actions against Venezuela as an “attack on the country’s sovereignty.” This proclamation preceded a statement by President Donald Trump, who claimed that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been “captured and deported” following a significant U.S. military operation. Attorney General Pam Bondi also noted that both Maduro and Flores faced charges, including drug-terrorism conspiracy.
In his televised remarks, Maduro asserted that U.S. forces targeted civilian and military installations in Caracas, as well as in the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira. He was accompanied by military and government officials during this address. “This is an attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty,” he stated, alleging that it was an effort to impose colonial wars and instigate political change through violence.
Maduro characterized the U.S. operations as a serious military invasion and a breach of the United Nations Charter, indicating that it poses a threat to peace throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Recently, the U.S. has been conducting military actions aimed at suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.
Maduro’s government has portrayed the U.S. assault as part of a broader initiative to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth. State media showcased footage of Venezuelan troops being deployed to key infrastructure, with officials holding emergency discussions.
In his response, Maduro issued a decree declaring a nationwide state of “disturbance,” granting his government extensive powers during emergencies, such as the ability to mobilize security forces and limit certain civil liberties.
