U.S. Strike on Venezuela: President Maduro ‘Captured and Flown Out,’ Trump Says
President Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States carried out a “large-scale strike” on Venezuela and that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country, in what represents a dramatic escalation of tensions between the two nations.
Reuters
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In an early-morning post on his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump said American forces successfully executed a major operation against Venezuela’s leadership and removed Maduro and his wife from Venezuelan territory. Details regarding how the capture was carried out, where they were taken, or which agencies were involved beyond a general reference to “U.S. law enforcement” have not yet been fully disclosed. A news conference was scheduled for later Saturday to provide further information.
Reuters
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The strikes reportedly included military attacks on installations in and around Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, with explosions heard across parts of the capital and other regions. The Venezuelan government responded by declaring a state of emergency and condemning the action as a form of military aggression by Washington. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for President Maduro and the first lady amid widespread confusion and conflicting reports.
Al Jazeera
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The United States has levelled longstanding accusations against Maduro’s administration, alleging involvement in drug trafficking and undermining democratic norms — charges Maduro has consistently denied. This operation marks a significant development in U.S.–Venezuela relations, with international reactions beginning to emerge and many details still unfolding.
People.com
(This is a developing story; further updates will be published as more verified information becomes available.)