Maduro Captured? Trump Claims Venezuela Strikes Success

The United States military carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to a post by former President Donald Trump. The operation, conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement,” prompted a national emergency declaration from the Venezuelan government and condemnation from allies of Maduro.

U.S. Action and Capture of Maduro

Trump announced the successful operation on his Truth Social platform, stating Maduro and his wife had been flown out of the country. Maduro was captured by a team including elite U.S. special forces, including the U.S. Army’s Delta Force, a U.S. official told Reuters. Senator Mike Lee said Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him that Maduro would stand trial on criminal charges in the United States.

Maduro was originally indicted in U.S. federal court in 2020 on charges of narco-terrorism and other crimes related to an alleged scheme to send tonnes of cocaine to the U.S. through what prosecutors called the “Cartel de Los Soles.” He has consistently denied these allegations.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated on X that Maduro and his wife “will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”

Venezuelan Response and International Reaction

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and his wife, stating she did not know their whereabouts. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned the intervention, calling for unity to “resist and to triumph.” Earlier, Padrino rejected the presence of foreign troops, stating they had brought only “death, pain and destruction.”

Explosions rocked Caracas and other areas of Venezuela in the early hours of Saturday, prompting the government to mobilize troops. Reports indicated attacks also occurred in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.

Venezuelan allies Cuba and Iran swiftly condemned the strikes. Tehran called it a “blatant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity” and urged intervention from the U.N. Security Council.

Background and Previous Accusations

The U.S. has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging last year’s election, claims the Venezuelan leader has denied. Maduro has asserted that Washington seeks to gain control of Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. Trump had repeatedly promised land operations in Venezuela and stated Monday it would be “smart” for Maduro to leave power.

The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, including the deployment of an aircraft carrier, warships, and fighter jets to the Caribbean. Trump has sought a “blockade” of Venezuelan oil, expanded sanctions, and conducted strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

Last week, Trump said the United States had targeted an area in Venezuela where boats are loaded with drugs, marking the first known land operations in Venezuela since the pressure campaign began. The U.S. has accused Venezuela of flooding the country with drugs, a claim Maduro’s government denies.

The legal authority for the latest U.S. strikes remains unclear, and legal experts have questioned the legality of previous actions against suspected drug vessels in the region, which have resulted in over 110 deaths.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.