Washington, Jan 3 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has asserted that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been "captured" and "flown out" of the nation following a significant military operation that occurred early Saturday.

On his social media platform, 'Truth Social', Trump stated, "The United States of America has successfully conducted a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and transported out of the Country."

He indicated that this operation was carried out in collaboration with US Law Enforcement, with further details to be unveiled during a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. (local time) at Mar-a-Lago.

Several substantial explosions were reported early Saturday in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela.

In its initial official response following the loud blasts heard in Caracas, the Venezuelan government strongly condemned the actions of the US government, characterizing it as "extremely serious military aggression".

Subsequently, US media outlets reported that officials in Washington had confirmed the strikes on Venezuela.

In addition, the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which also oversees relations with Venezuela, issued a statement advising Americans against traveling to Venezuela or its borders.

"US Embassy Bogota is aware of reports concerning explosions in and around Caracas, Venezuela. The US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, advises US citizens not to travel to Venezuela. Those currently in Venezuela should shelter in place," the Embassy declared.

The highest travel advisory level—Level 4—has been issued, which states, "Do Not Travel - due to significant risks to Americans, including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure."

All US citizens in Venezuela have been urged to leave the country immediately.

The Embassy added that in March 2019, the US Department of State withdrew all diplomatic staff from the US Embassy in Caracas and halted operations. All consular services, both routine and emergency, remain suspended. The US government currently lacks the capability to offer emergency services to its citizens in Venezuela, as stated in the official announcement.

In a pointed statement denouncing Washington, the Venezuelan government accused the US of attempting "to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, in a bid to forcibly undermine the nation's political independence."

This reaction followed reports from Caracas residents who noted hearing loud explosions and sounds resembling aircraft pass overhead early Saturday.

Reports indicated that these incidents transpired around 2:00 a.m. local time, causing panic across various neighborhoods in the Venezuelan capital.

Media reports confirmed that at least seven powerful explosions rocked Caracas, prompting residents to flee into the streets in fear.

President Maduro has declared a national emergency in response to the explosions.

The sudden blasts incited widespread panic, with individuals reportedly evacuating their homes amid the chaos and uncertainty.

Videos circulating online depict smoke rising from multiple areas within the capital city.

Additionally, brief power outages were observed in certain parts of Caracas, including at a military base, following the explosions.

Partial interruptions to telecommunications services were also reported in the capital after the loud blasts.