US Captures Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro In Strikes; Leader Flown Out Of Country

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

PALM BEACH/CARACAS (Worthy News)— U.S. President Donald J. Trump confirmed early Saturday that the United States has “successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”

In a message on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump added that “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.”

U.S. President Trump earlier confirmed that the U.S. had captured him and that Maduro had been flown out of the country along with his wife.

He added that more details would be provided at a news conference starting at 11 a.m. local time, at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.

Footage reviewed by Worthy News appeared to show U.S. special forces being involved in the operation.

President Maduro, dressed casually, was seen near an awaiting helicopter held tight between two U.S. military personnel, their faces blurred for security reasons.

MASSIVE EXPLOSIONS HEARD

The detention came after massive explosions rocked Caracas, the capital.

While the strikes were underway, Venezuela denounced the “military aggression” as President Maduro declared a national emergency.

Video footage obtained by Worthy News appeared to show low-flying military aircraft, and witnesses were heard in shock as they watched explosions in Caracas.

Footage revealed fire and smoke rising above the Venezuelan capital. “My heart was pumping, and my legs were shaking,” an eyewitness said.

At least seven explosions were heard about 2 a.m. local time, and people in various neighbourhoods rushed to the street.

Authorities in Caracas did not immediately provide casualty figures, and independent verification of damage remained limited amid tight information controls.

STRIKES FOLLOW SHARP ESCALATION

The attacks come after months of escalating friction between Washington and Caracas, with the Trump administration accusing the Maduro government of failing to curb drug trafficking and suppressing political opposition.

As part of a pressure campaign, the United States expanded sanctions, increased its military presence in the region, and carried out more than two dozen, sometimes deadly, strikes on vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

U.S. officials said those maritime operations were aimed at disrupting narcotics flows they claim benefit senior figures within the Venezuelan leadership.

Trump had also threatened with a land operation.

Venezuelan officials vowed to respond through “all legal and diplomatic means,” while state media previously broadcast images of emergency meetings among military and political leaders.

Regional governments and international groups called for restraint. U.S. officials reportedly said operations were “limited and targeted.”

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