US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social in the early morning on 3/1 that American forces had launched a large-scale raid into Venezuelan territory, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and transporting them out of Venezuela by helicopter.

In a brief interview with Times afterward, Trump stated the operation's objective in Venezuela was to capture President Maduro alive. "We planned it meticulously, deploying wonderful military personnel and people. This was a perfect operation," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump at the White House on 10/12/2025. Photo: AFP

Unnamed US officials informed CBS News that Delta, one of America's most elite special operations units, carried out the raid in the capital, Caracas, and apprehended President Maduro and his wife.

President Trump's announcement came over three hours after several bases in Caracas and various Venezuelan provinces were attacked at 2 AM on 3/1 (approximately 13h Hanoi time). Images circulating on social media showed US military helicopters continuously firing rockets and artillery at key military bases in Caracas.

These strikes likely provided cover for the landing of US special forces at the Presidential Palace to capture Maduro. Witnesses reported explosions in the Presidential Palace area.

About two hours before Trump's announcement, the Venezuelan government issued a statement from President Maduro calling for general mobilization and declaring a nationwide state of emergency. The statement also affirmed that Venezuela would bring the issue before the United Nations Security Council.

It remains unclear whether this was a live statement from Maduro or a pre-written message. The highest-ranking Venezuelan official to speak after the raid was Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez.

Early morning on 3/1, Lopez delivered a speech to the nation, condemning the "aggressive attack" by the US. He affirmed that the government and military would "resist the presence of foreign troops" on Venezuelan territory.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez posted a speech in the early morning on 3/1 regarding the US attack. Photo: X/DDGeopolitics

Minister Lopez accused the US military of attacking civilian areas across the country. He added that the government was still compiling information on casualties from the attack.

"Honor, duty, and history call upon us. Let the call of a free nation resonate throughout all regions. Victory belongs to us, because justice and dignity are on our side. We will prevail," he wrote in a social media post.

General Lopez is the highest-ranking officer in the Venezuelan military and is considered to play a key role in President Maduro's ruling alliance.

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, Times)