Trump Claims Capture of Venezuelan Leader Maduro
On Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been “captured and deported” after a series of explosions occurred in Caracas.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The United States successfully launched a major attack on Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who was captured and exiled along with his wife. This operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement.” He mentioned that more details would be revealed at a press conference later in the day at Mar-a-Lago.
This announcement followed reports of significant issues related to airstrikes targeting the capital, Caracas, and other regions in Venezuela.
U.S. Army Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt shared Trump’s statement on social media.
Maduro, who has held power through widely criticized elections, has faced multiple drug-related charges from U.S. authorities. There’s a standing reward of $50 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
US courts have accused Maduro of being involved in an extensive drug trafficking operation. Reports say he admitted to being a prominent member of a Colombian cocaine cartel, which has been attempting to flood the U.S. with drugs.
As of the time of this report, the Venezuelan government had not responded to Trump’s announcement. Reports from local media indicated that much of Caracas was experiencing power outages, and many residents were evacuating key areas, including Fuerte Tiuna, a significant military complex.
This complex is believed to house Maduro’s personal bunker among other critical governmental facilities. Additionally, local news stated that La Carlota Airport, Venezuela’s primary military airport, was struck during the airstrikes.
Venezuela’s Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, condemned the airstrike in a video message, labeling it an “invasion” and calling it “the greatest outrage suffered by Venezuela.” He has denied allegations of narco-terrorism, suggesting that the strikes aimed at enforcing a “regime change” in Venezuela.
Padrino López urged the international community to unite against the actions of the United States, expressing thoughts about the “desperation” of the attackers. “They attacked us, but they will not crush us. We will prevail,” he asserted in his call for support.
