United States President has made a startling claim, announcing that Venezuelan President and his wife have been captured in what he described as a large-scale United States operation.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Trump’s Truth Social account, triggering immediate global attention and intense debate across diplomatic, political, and security circles.
In his post, Trump stated that the United States had successfully carried out a major operation against the Venezuelan leader, alleging that Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of Venezuela.
“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,” Trump wrote.
According to the former president, the operation was conducted in collaboration with U.S. law enforcement agencies, though he did not immediately provide specific operational details.
“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,” the post added.
The claim, if confirmed, would represent one of the most extraordinary foreign interventions involving a sitting head of state in modern history. However, as of the time of reporting, no official confirmation had been issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Pentagon, or Venezuelan authorities.
The announcement comes months after the United States government reportedly doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to 50 million dollars. U.S. authorities have long accused the Venezuelan leader of playing a central role in international drug trafficking networks, allegations that Maduro has consistently denied, describing them as politically motivated.
During Trump’s first administration in 2020, the United States formally indicted Maduro and several senior Venezuelan officials on narcotics and corruption-related charges. At the time, the U.S. Department of Justice accused the Venezuelan leadership of operating what it described as a “narco-terrorism” network that sought to destabilise the United States by flooding it with illegal drugs.
Those indictments significantly escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas, adding to years of strained diplomatic relations, economic sanctions, and political standoffs. Venezuela, under Maduro’s leadership, has repeatedly rejected U.S. accusations, insisting that they form part of a broader campaign aimed at regime change.
Trump’s latest statement has once again placed Venezuela at the centre of international focus, with analysts warning that such claims could have far-reaching implications for regional stability in Latin America and global geopolitics.
Observers note that capturing a sitting president would typically involve complex international legal processes, including extradition treaties and cooperation with foreign governments. The absence of immediate corroboration from official institutions has therefore raised questions about the accuracy, scope, and legal basis of the claim.
In Venezuela, Maduro has remained a polarising figure, presiding over years of economic hardship, political unrest, and mass emigration. Supporters view him as a symbol of resistance against U.S. interference, while critics blame his administration for the country’s economic collapse and democratic backsliding.
The United States, alongside several Western and regional allies, has previously recognised opposition figures as legitimate representatives of the Venezuelan people, further deepening divisions over Maduro’s legitimacy.
Trump’s reference to a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence suggests that further clarification may be forthcoming. However, until official statements are released by relevant U.S. agencies or independent confirmation emerges, the situation remains fluid and uncertain.
International reaction has so far been cautious, with diplomatic observers urging restraint and verification before drawing conclusions. Experts warn that misinformation or premature claims involving heads of state can inflame tensions and destabilise already fragile regions.
For Africa and the wider Global South, developments in Venezuela are closely watched, particularly given long-standing debates around sovereignty, foreign intervention, and the use of sanctions as political tools. The situation also underscores the enduring influence of U.S. foreign policy decisions on global affairs.
As the world awaits further details, attention remains fixed on Washington and Caracas for official responses that could either confirm, clarify, or refute Trump’s dramatic announcement.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
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