U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a military operation carried out early Saturday morning. In a statement on his Truth Social Media page, Trump confirmed the U.S. military’s success in executing a large-scale strike against Venezuela.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been captured along with his wife and flown out of the country. This operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Details to follow,” Trump wrote.
The operation commenced in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, with residents reporting heavy bombing and low-flying military aircraft. In response, the Venezuelan Government swiftly declared a state of emergency, stating that the country was under attack by the United States and asserting its right to defend itself.
Video footage reportedly shows multiple targets across various locations in Venezuela coming under U.S. military strikes, with buildings and facilities engulfed in flames.
The U.S. military had previously launched strikes against suspected drug-carrying vessels originating from Venezuela, citing Maduro’s alleged connections to drug cartels. The U.S. has consistently called for Maduro’s ouster, labeling him as the illegitimate president of Venezuela.
As details regarding the operation continue to unfold, the international community is watching closely as tensions escalate in the region.
