Venezuela Deploys Military Nationwide, Condemns US Attack as “Worst Aggression”

Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López has announced the immediate nationwide deployment of the country’s armed forces following what he described as a major US military attack.

In a video address delivered in Spanish, Padrino labeled the US action as the “worst aggression” ever carried out against Venezuela and urged all Venezuelans to unite in resistance. Emphasizing loyalty to President Nicolás Maduro, he said, “They have attacked us, but they will not be able to subdue us.”

Following reported US airstrikes, Venezuela declared a state of emergency. Explosions were heard around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday in Caracas and other regions, according to local reports. The Venezuelan government stated that the United States had carried out attacks on military infrastructure as well as civilian areas across multiple locations.

Caracas accused Washington of launching “military aggression” and formally rejected the US actions. In response to the escalating situation, President Maduro declared a nationwide state of emergency and ordered the deployment of defense forces throughout the country.

President Maduro strongly condemned the attacks, accusing the United States of attempting to seize Venezuela’s oil and mineral resources. According to a government statement, strikes targeted not only the capital Caracas but also the states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump claimed that the United States had conducted a “large-scale” operation early Saturday and had detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, removing them from Venezuela. Trump did not provide details on how Maduro was captured or where he was taken.

The Venezuelan government has not immediately confirmed Trump’s claim that Maduro was taken into US custody. Previously, the United States had announced a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

The situation remains fluid, with conflicting claims from Washington and Caracas and growing concerns over regional stability.