Trump Claims US Has Captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Following Large-Scale Strike

President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, confirming what he described as a “large-scale” military strike against Venezuela.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Maduro had been flown out of the country, although he did not provide further details about the operation or Maduro’s current location. He added that a news conference would be held at 11:00 EST (16:00 BST) at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago.

Venezuela’s government has declared a state of national emergency, strongly rejecting and condemning what it described as foreign military aggression. Explosions were reported across Caracas, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of panic as blasts echoed through the city. Footage circulating online showed large plumes of smoke and fires in several areas.

Venezuela’s Defence Minister, Vladimir Padrino López, announced the immediate deployment of military forces nationwide, calling for unity and resistance in response to what he described as the most serious attack the country has faced. He said the armed forces were acting under Maduro’s orders.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez later said the government did not know the whereabouts of either Maduro or the First Lady, demanding immediate proof that they were alive.

US officials cited by CBS News said Maduro had been captured by Delta Force, the US military’s elite counter-terrorism unit. Washington has long accused Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking network, allegations he has consistently denied. The Venezuelan authorities have yet to confirm his capture.

#MaltaDaily