The Venezuelan capital Caracas remained shrouded in an unnatural calm with a persistent smell of explosives lingering in the air as residents grappled with the shocking aftermath of a pre-dawn U.S. military operation that successfully captured and removed long-time leader Nicolás Maduro, leaving the city's usually vibrant streets eerily deserted and its people in a state of profound disbelief.

Residents recounted terrifying moments around 2:00 am local time when powerful detonations shook buildings, rattling windows and prompting many to rush to balconies as military aircraft roared overhead, initially mistaking the blasts for fireworks before realizing the gravity of the targeted strikes on key military installations, including areas near the largest complex in the Coche neighborhood.

Columns of smoke rose across the city, enveloping Caracas in a hazy fog, with reports of bombings extending to La Guaira port and airport, Maracay to the west, and Higuerote to the east, while damage appeared largely confined to military sites featuring bullet-riddled and charred vehicles, though Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez accused U.S. forces of hitting civilian zones with missiles and rockets from combat helicopters.

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A small gathering of several hundred Maduro loyalists assembled in central Caracas, chanting for his release and playing revolutionary music from a makeshift stage, with protesters like university professor Katia Briceno condemning the intervention as U.S. "barbarism" and decrying the absurdity of a foreign power removing an elected leader, yet beyond this rally, the streets saw minimal activity, occasional vehicles, closed shops, and patrols by heavily armed agents in black uniforms.

As President Donald Trump confirmed no U.S. casualties and signaled potential further actions including ground troops while announcing temporary American administration of Venezuela, possibly in coordination with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez rather than opposition figures, neighboring Colombia bolstered its border with tanks and soldiers amid fears of a migrant surge, though crossings remained unusually sparse, underscoring the uncertain future facing Venezuelans in the wake of this historic upheaval.

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