Washington: The United States says it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following overnight U.S. military strikes that shook parts of Venezuela, including the capital Caracas.
Speaking from Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a large scale operation and took Maduro and his wife into custody. He said they were flown out of Venezuela and are now under U.S. control. No details were given about where Maduro is being held or how long the operation took.
Residents in Caracas reported loud explosions and widespread power outages in the early hours of the day. Smoke was seen rising from several areas, and electricity was cut in parts of the capital and nearby regions. Venezuelan authorities did not immediately confirm the U.S. claims, and state media went off air for a period after the strikes.
Trump described Maduro as the head of a criminal network and said the Venezuelan leader would face drug related charges in the United States. He said the U.S. would remain closely involved during a transition period, adding that the aim was to restore stability and allow Venezuela to move toward new leadership.
The move drew sharp reactions internationally. Some opposition figures in Latin America welcomed the development, saying it could open the way for political change after years of crisis. Other governments condemned the action, calling it a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law.
In the United States, Republican leaders largely backed the operation, while several Democrats questioned its legality and said Congress had not authorized such action. They warned the strikes could increase the risk of a wider conflict.
Venezuela has been facing deep economic and political turmoil for years, marked by shortages, high inflation and large scale migration. With Maduro’s reported removal, the country’s future remains uncertain, as it is unclear who will take control on the ground or how institutions will respond in the coming days.
The situation continues to develop, with more details expected as governments and international bodies react to one of the most serious escalations in U.S. Venezuela relations in decades.