U.S. Confirms Maduro Captured in Surprise Military Operation
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump said early today that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody and flown out of Venezuela following a large-scale U.S. military assault. The surprise action marks one of the most significant U.S. interventions in the region in decades, with explosions reported across Caracas and the surrounding areas.
Explosions Shake Capital—Maduro Removed
According to Trump, American forces conducted coordinated strikes targeting key Venezuelan military sites before dawn, resulting in loud blasts and smoke seen over the capital. Trump declared that forces successfully captured Maduro and his wife, transporting them out of the country to face criminal charges in U.S. courts.
Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez later confirmed that Maduro’s whereabouts were unknown and demanded proof of life for the detained couple. Venezuelan officials condemned the actions as unlawful aggression and called for national resistance against foreign intervention.
International Reaction and Regional Fallout
World leaders reacted swiftly to news of Maduro’s capture. Some governments criticized the U.S. for violating international norms and infringing on Venezuela’s sovereignty, while others expressed concern about regional stability. Colombia, Cuba, and Russia have been among those voicing strong opposition.
This unfolding situation has triggered emergency diplomatic discussions and questions about how Venezuela’s leadership will transition in the aftermath of Maduro’s removal from power.
