BBC News World
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that his country carried out a attack in Venezuela and said that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been arrested and taken out of the country.
"The United States has successfully conducted a large-scale attack against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who, along with his wife, has been captured and taken out of the country. This operation was carried out in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Further details will be released soon. There will be a press conference today at 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago .
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded "proof of life of President Maduro and the First Lady" from the United States government .
"We demand respect for international law and condemn this brutal form of aggression against our people," he said on state television.
"We demand proof of life for President Maduro and the First Lady, the combatant cousin Cilia Flores. Instructions have been given to the FANB and the citizen security forces. Venezuela is calm, digesting the meaning of this brutal attack.".
The Venezuelan government denounced a "military aggression" by the U.S. on Saturday after explosions and aircraft overflying Caracas and other parts of the country were reported.
Videos recorded by neighbors showed plumes of smoke and detonations, and even some aircraft flying at low altitude.
Several parts of Caracas were left without electricity, according to reports from residents and journalists collaborating with BBC Mundo.
The explosions began to be heard after 2:00 a.m. this Saturday in places such as the La Carlota air base in Caracas, or nearby areas.
The Venezuelan government denounced the incident as a "military aggression" by the U.S., but has not yet provided information on Maduro's whereabouts.
"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, repudiates and denounces before the international community the very serious military aggression perpetrated by the current Government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and population in the civilian and military localities of the city of Caracas, capital of the Republic, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.".
"Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people," the government added in a statement.
"The attempt to impose a colonial war to destroy the republican form of government and force a regime change, in alliance with the fascist oligarchy, will fail like all previous attempts.".
The government called "on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.".
President Nicolás Maduro, the government said, signed and ordered the "state of external commotion throughout the national territory.".
"In strict adherence to Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, Venezuela reserves the right to exercise legitimate self-defense to protect its people, its territory and its independence.".
The attacks come amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
The U.S. had increased its military presence in the Caribbean in recent months and had made it clear that there could be an attack on Venezuela against the government led by Maduro, whom it considers an illegitimate president and links to drug trafficking.
Journalist Vanessa Silva, a resident of Caracas, witnessed an explosion from her window. She said it was enormous, "stronger than lightning," and that it shook the apartment building where she lives.
"My heart was racing and my legs were shaking," Silva said about the proximity of the explosions, which seemed to be very precise.
