Venezuela’s attorney general has accused the United States of endangering President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, following reports of overnight military strikes in the capital, Caracas.
Tarek William Saab said Washington would be held responsible for the safety of Mr Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, claiming their whereabouts were unclear. Speaking on state television early on Saturday, he described the situation as a “kidnapping” and urged the United Nations and international human rights groups to intervene.
Mr Saab drew parallels with the brief detention of former president Hugo Chávez during the failed 2002 coup, calling it a defining moment in Venezuela’s history. He said the comparison highlighted the seriousness of the current situation and the need to confirm Mr Maduro’s safety. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has said his condition remains uncertain.
The attorney general instructed prosecutors to document what he described as human rights violations linked to the alleged US operation. He criticised international organisations for what he called their silence.
Venezuela’s government said explosions were reported at several locations in Caracas early on Saturday, with low-flying aircraft seen over the city. It described the incident as a US “imperialist attack” on civilian and military infrastructure. The United States has not commented.
