Early Saturday, residents of Caracas woke to loud explosions and missile strikes targeting military bases La Carlota and Fuerte Tiuna. Smoke rose over the capital as air raid sirens sounded. Videos showed bright orange blasts lighting up the night sky. Residents first thought it was fireworks or an earthquake. However, it quickly became clear it was a US military assault. Donald Trump confirmed the raid and announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been "captured" and taken to a US naval warship in the Caribbean. Trump told Fox News, "They got taken out in a matter of seconds. I've never seen anything like it." US Attorney General Pam Bondi called the couple "international narco traffickers" and said they would face justice in US courts. Venezuelan officials condemned the attack as an "invasion." Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called on citizens to take arms against the aggressors. Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez called it a "criminal, vile and fascist Yankee imperialist attack" and urged support for Maduro. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, reportedly in Moscow, demanded proof that Maduro and Flores were alive. Streets in Caracas were quiet and tense as people awaited their uncertain future. Some analysts said the raid aimed to remove Maduro but not end the regime, warning the situation could worsen. Paramilitary groups loyal to Maduro appeared on streets in combat gear, adding to the instability. The US celebrated the event as a "new dawn" for Venezuela, but many locals remained doubtful about a quick democratic change. Opposition leader María Corina Machado declared Venezuela was entering "decisive hours" and prepared to take power. The true impact of this dramatic attack is still unfolding, and Caracas remains on edge.