U.S. Launches Strikes on Venezuela, Claims Capture of President Nicolás Maduro
The United States carried out what it described as a “large-scale” military strike on Venezuela early Saturday, claiming the operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, according to statements from senior U.S. officials and President Donald Trump. The announcement immediately heightened tensions across the region and sparked global concern over the future of Venezuela’s leadership.
In a post published on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Trump said Maduro and the first lady had been “captured and flown out of the country” following an overnight operation involving U.S. law enforcement and military assets. Trump described the mission as “successful” and said additional details, including evidence and next steps, would be shared during a news conference scheduled for later Saturday.