Maduro gave state TV address as US strikes in Venezuela began: report

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro reportedly made a connection connected tv and vigor aboriginal Saturday arsenic the U.S. strikes against his state unfolded, describing them arsenic an "attack against the sovereignty of Venezuela." 

The remarks came earlier President Donald Trump announced that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were "captured and flown retired of the country" pursuing a "large standard strike" carried retired by the U.S. military. Attorney General Pam Bondi aboriginal said Maduro and Flores were indicted connected charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. 

In comments aired connected authorities tv and radio, Maduro alleged that U.S. forces attacked civilian and subject sites successful Venezuela’s superior of Caracas, arsenic good arsenic the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, according to The Miami Herald.

"This is an onslaught against the sovereignty of Venezuela," Maduro reportedly said arsenic helium stood alongside subject and authorities officials. "It is an effort to enforce a assemblage warfare and unit governmental alteration by violence."

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, right, meets with Qi Xiaoqi, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping, successful Caracas, Venezuela, connected Jan. 2, 2026.  (Presidency of Venezuela/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Maduro besides described the U.S. actions arsenic a "grave subject aggression" and usurpation of the United Nations charter, adding that it threatened bid crossed Latin America and the Caribbean, The Miami Herald reported. 

The U.S. has been carrying retired a subject run against alleged drug-trafficking boats successful the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific successful caller months. 

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro addresses supporters during a rally marking the day of the 19th-century Battle of Santa Ines successful Caracas, Venezuela, connected Dec. 10, 2025.  (Pedro Rances Mattey/Anadolu via Getty Images))

Maduro’s authorities formed the U.S. strikes connected Saturday arsenic portion of a larger American effort to prehend Venezuela’s lipid and mineral reserves, according to The Miami Herald. 

The paper reported that authorities TV broadcasted images of Venezuelan soldiers deploying to strategical infrastructure and officials holding exigency meetings. 

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro addresses members of the equipped forces, Bolivarian Militia, police, and civilians during a rally against a imaginable escalation of U.S. actions toward the country, astatine Fort Tiuna subject basal successful Caracas, Venezuela, connected Nov. 25, 2025.  (Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters)

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As portion of Maduro’s response, helium besides signed a decree that declared a nationwide authorities of "external disturbance," which gives his authorities sweeping powers during emergencies, including mobilizing information forces and limiting definite civilian liberties, The Miami Herald added.