US Military Strikes Caracas; Trump Claims Maduro in Custody
- breaking news indicates US forces have reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following military strikes.
- US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, via his Truth Social platform, that US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
- The US military initiated a series of raids on Caracas and several other Venezuelan cities early Saturday morning.
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Reported Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US Forces
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- Reported Capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US Forces
breaking news indicates US forces have reportedly captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following military strikes. This report is currently unconfirmed by the Venezuelan government, who are demanding proof of life.
what Happened: Initial Reports of Military Action and Capture
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, via his Truth Social platform, that US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump described the operation as “accomplished and large-scale” military strikes conducted in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. He stated the couple had been “arrested and flown out of the country” and promised further details at a press conference at his Florida residence.
The US military initiated a series of raids on Caracas and several other Venezuelan cities early Saturday morning. the Venezuelan government has characterized these actions as an attempt to seize control of the country’s oil and mineral resources, alleging that the strikes targeted at least four regions.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed civilian casualties resulting from the US strikes. He asserted that the US had only “partially” achieved its objectives,emphasizing the government’s continued organization and urging citizens to remain calm and trust national leadership.
Venezuelan Government Response: Demands for Proof of Life and Allegations
Venezuela Demands Proof of Life
The Venezuelan government has not confirmed the arrests and states it is unaware of President Maduro’s whereabouts.Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, in an audio recording broadcast on state television, stated the government “does not know the location of President Maduro and his wife” and demanded the United States provide “proof that President Maduro and his wife are alive.”
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino released a video message declaring the country would “resist the presence of foreign forces.” He alleged that the US attacks targeted “civilian areas” and indicated authorities were gathering facts on casualties.
Prior to the reports of his capture, Maduro had declared a state of national emergency, ordering the implementation of all national defence plans “in accordance with the constitution, the Organic Law of States of Exception, and the Organic Law of National Security.”
The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry has stated it “reserves the right to exercise legitimate defence” and pursue all available legal avenues in response to the alleged US intervention.
Military Resistance and Emergency Measures
Military Resistance and Emergency Measures
The Venezuelan military, under the leadership of Defence Minister Padrino, has vowed to resist the presence of foreign forces. this resistance is complex by reports of targeted attacks on civilian areas,leading to an ongoing assessment of casualties.
The declaration of a state of national emergency by President Maduro (prior to the reported capture) activated national defence plans, potentially granting the government expanded powers to maintain order and respond to the crisis. The extent to which these plans are still operational given the reported capture is currently unknown.