United States President, Donald Trump, on Saturday claimed that US forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following what he described as a “large scale” military strike against Venezuela.
Trump made the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform, prompting immediate reactions in Venezuela, where authorities announced a state of national emergency and rejected what they described as “military aggression.”
The Venezuelan government has yet to issue a direct response to Trump’s statement.
Residents in Caracas reported hearing explosions across the city, with videos circulating online showing thick plumes of smoke and fires in several areas. An eyewitness told the BBC, “My heart was pumping and legs were shaking,” after the explosions were heard.
The development follows weeks of escalating tension between Washington and Caracas, as Trump intensified pressure on Maduro’s government. The United States has long accused Maduro of heading an international drug trafficking organisation, an allegation he has consistently denied.
Trump did not provide details on how Maduro and his wife were apprehended or where they were taken, and the Venezuelan authorities have not confirmed the claim.
The US government had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. Alongside a significant military build-up in the region in recent months, the move was widely interpreted as an attempt to encourage internal opposition against the Venezuelan leader.
Trump also announced that he would address the issue at a news conference scheduled for 11:00 EST (16:00 BST) at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.
In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote in full:
“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. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
(BBC)