Trump claims U.S. captured Maduro in large-scale Venezuela operation
Trump claims U.S. captured Maduro in large-scale Venezuela operation
Trump says Maduro and wife were taken in a U.S. operation and promises details at a Mar-a-Lago press briefing. No independent confirmation yet.
In a late-night post on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country after what he described as a “large scale” military operation. He said the United States had “successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,” and asserted that Maduro was taken into custody. He noted that U.S. law enforcement agencies were involved but did not name the agencies or explain their roles, and he promised further details at a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. ET at Mar-a-Lago.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture, and Venezuelan officials did not publicly corroborate Trump’s claim. The statement marks a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, coming as reports of explosions and military activity in and around Caracas surfaced earlier in the day.
Trump’s post framed the operation as a decisive turning point, but skeptics emphasized the need for verification from official sources. The White House had not provided additional information beyond the post, and the upcoming press conference would be the first opportunity to outline specifics.
The potential implications are significant, given Maduro’s long-standing sanctions history and the United States’ stated focus on Venezuela’s leadership. As details unfold, observers will be watching for official confirmations, any casualty figures, potential legal actions, and regional reactions to what could represent a major shift in Caracas’ leadership.
For now, the claim of Maduro’s capture remains a developing story, with key details and corroboration expected at today’s Mar-a-Lago briefing.
