US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that American forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after what he called a “large scale strike” on Venezuela.
He shared this claim on his social media platform Truth Social, saying that US military action had led to Maduro’s arrest.
Truth Social Post Reveals Maduro and Wife ‘Captured and Flown Out’
In his post, Trump wrote, “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.”
He did not provide details about where Maduro and his wife were taken. However, he said more information would be given soon.
Trump to Address Media From Mar-a-Lago
Trump said he would speak to the media later in the day. He announced a news conference at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he plans to explain the situation.
Why the US Is Targeting Venezuela Under Donald Trump
The US government has long accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and of fixing elections. Maduro, who took power in 2013 after Hugo Chavez, has rejected these claims. He has said the United States wants to control Venezuela’s oil, which is among the largest reserves in the world.
US Media Confirms Military Action Against Maduro Government
American media outlets such as CBS News and Fox News reported that officials in the Trump administration had confirmed US military involvement. CBS said the operation was ordered directly by President Donald Trump.
Explosions Rock Caracas After Reported US Airstrikes
People in Caracas reported explosions following the operation. The strikes came after months of rising military and economic pressure on Maduro and Venezuela’s struggling oil-based economy.
US Warships and Aircraft Carrier Deployed in Caribbean
The US had already sent strong military forces to the region. These included the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and several warships in the Caribbean.
As part of what Washington calls an oil blockade, US forces have seized two oil tankers and carried out airstrikes. These attacks reportedly killed more than 100 people and targeted small boats accused of drug smuggling.
Trump Accuses Venezuela of Running a ‘Narco-State’
Trump has said Venezuela is a major source of illegal drugs entering the United States. He has also accused the country of taking over US oil interests. These claims have been key reasons behind his campaign against Maduro.
Trump Says Maduro’s ‘Days Are Numbered’
While Trump has not openly demanded Maduro’s removal, the US and several European countries do not recognise him as Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
In December, Trump said “it would be smart for (Maduro)” to step down. He also warned that Maduro’s “days are numbered.”
Maduro Offered Talks on Drugs and Migration Before Attack
Just two days before the reported attack, Maduro had tried to open talks with Trump. He offered cooperation on fighting drug trafficking and stopping illegal migration.
US Refuses to Recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s President
Trump earlier said the US had destroyed a docking area used by alleged Venezuelan drug boats. This was described as the first confirmed US strike on Venezuelan soil during the campaign. Maduro has not commented on the attack.
The United States has refused to recognise Maduro as Venezuela’s president since elections held during Trump’s first term. International observers had said those elections were full of irregularities.
