US President Donald Trump declared that American forces had seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his spouse in a major military operation against the South American nation, months after Washington branded him a fugitive for alleged drug smuggling.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump hailed the mission as a triumph, stating: “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.”
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.”
He noted the involvement of US law enforcement agencies and promised further details, announcing a press briefing at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida at 11:00 am (1600 GMT).
The announcement caps escalating US pressure on Maduro, who faced a $50 million bounty for his arrest after being indicted for cocaine trafficking into the United States, with authorities also freezing $700 million in linked assets.
Venezuelan Govt speaks as President Maduro’s whereabouts unknown
Venezuela’s government says it does not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores following US military strikes on the capital, Caracas.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded “immediate proof of life” for both the president and his wife, amid growing confusion over the impact of the attacks.
Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino said the government is still compiling information on casualties and injuries, and alleged that the strikes affected civilian areas in addition to military targets.
He warned that Venezuela would “resist” any foreign military presence on its soil.
The full extent of the damage to military infrastructure and the number of casualties remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation.
