Trump Claims Maduro Captured After U.S. Strikes Shake Venezuela

Post by : Saif Nasser

A major political shock hit Latin America on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured following overnight American military strikes. The announcement has caused fear, confusion, and deep concern inside Venezuela and across the region.

According to President Trump, the United States carried out large-scale strikes targeting Venezuela and its leadership. In a message posted online, Trump said Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country by U.S. forces. He described the operation as a success and said it involved elite special forces working with U.S. law enforcement agencies. A detailed briefing was promised later in the day.

The strikes reportedly took place in the early hours of the morning. Explosions were heard across the capital, Caracas, and in several nearby states. Residents shared videos showing black smoke rising into the sky, helicopters flying overhead, and flashes of light followed by loud blasts. Many people said they were scared and confused, as there was little clear information from authorities.

The Venezuelan government did not immediately confirm Maduro’s capture. However, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino strongly rejected the presence of foreign troops. In a televised message, he said Venezuela would resist what he called an attack on its sovereignty. He urged citizens and the military to stay united and defend the country, saying foreign intervention only brings suffering and destruction.

Ordinary Venezuelans described a night of fear. Some said they heard planes flying at different heights, followed by explosions. Others reported power cuts near military bases. Many people said they did not know what was happening and were relying only on state television and social media for updates.

The U.S. has long accused Maduro of running a corrupt government, helping drug traffickers, and stealing the last election. Trump has repeatedly said Maduro should leave power. On the other hand, Maduro has always denied these claims and accused Washington of trying to take control of Venezuela’s oil, the largest reserves in the world.

This action marks the most direct U.S. military intervention in Latin America in decades. Many countries in the region have painful memories of past interventions and strongly oppose such moves. Even governments that disagree with Maduro are uneasy about direct foreign military action.

Venezuela’s allies, including Cuba and Iran, quickly condemned the strikes. Iran called the attack a clear violation of international law and urged the United Nations to step in. Legal experts have also questioned under what authority the U.S. carried out these strikes, especially as similar operations in recent months have already caused many deaths.

The situation remains tense and unclear. With no confirmation from Venezuelan authorities about Maduro’s fate and strong reactions at home and abroad, the coming days will be critical. What happens next could shape not only Venezuela’s future but also the stability of the entire region.