US Confirms Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
The United States government has confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of Venezuela following a large-scale US military strike on the South American nation.
The announcement was made on Saturday by US President Donald Trump, marking one of the most dramatic foreign policy actions taken by Washington in recent history.
Trump Announces Operation Details
Trump disclosed the development in a statement posted on his Truth Social account, confirming that the operation involved coordinated efforts between the US military and federal law enforcement agencies.
Trump’s Statement
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.
This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.”
Trump also announced that he would address the nation at a news conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
US Forces Carry Out Strike in Venezuela
According to reports from US media, the operation involved elite American military units, with explosions reported in parts of Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, during the strike.
The scale and precision of the operation underscore a significant escalation in US involvement in Venezuela, where political tensions and economic instability have persisted for years.
Drug and Terrorism Charges Filed Against Maduro
Following the capture, the United States formally announced drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges against Maduro.
US authorities have long accused the Venezuelan leader of playing a central role in international narcotics trafficking networks, allegations Maduro and his government have consistently denied.
Background: $50 Million Bounty and Long-Running US Case
Reward for Maduro’s Arrest
Only months before the operation, the US government doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, citing intelligence linking him to transnational drug operations.
2020 Indictment Under Trump’s First Term
In 2020, during Trump’s first administration, the United States indicted Maduro and several senior Venezuelan officials on drug trafficking and corruption charges, setting the legal foundation for Saturday’s action.
Global Reactions and What Comes Next
The capture of a sitting foreign president has triggered shockwaves across international diplomatic circles, with governments and global institutions closely monitoring developments.
Analysts say the move could:
Redefine US–Latin America relations
Trigger retaliatory actions from Maduro allies
Spark legal and diplomatic battles at international courts
Further details are expected following Trump’s news conference.
