US Claims Capture of Venezuelan President in Military Operation

US Claims Capture of Venezuelan President in Military Operation
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US President Donald Trump said American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a pre-dawn military operation targeting Caracas and nearby regions, a development reported by media outlets. Trump described the assault as carefully planned, while US officials said the pair were transferred out of Venezuela to face criminal proceedings.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the couple would be prosecuted in the United States under charges linked to a 2020 indictment. However, questions quickly arose over the legal authority for detaining a sitting foreign head of state and whether Congress had been consulted prior to what Trump later described as a large-scale strike.

The operation prompted strong international reaction. Colombia condemned the action, requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting and warned of a potential refugee influx. A UN human rights expert called for an investigation, describing the operation as illegal. Several regional leaders denounced the attack as a violation of international law.

Venezuelan officials appeared on state media confirming the president’s disappearance and demanding proof that he and his wife were alive. Senior ministers accused Washington of military aggression, said civilian and military sites were hit, and urged citizens to mobilize. Security forces were shown patrolling streets as authorities sought to project control.

Witnesses reported multiple explosions before dawn, with smoke seen near major military installations. The United States has intensified pressure on Venezuela in recent months through sanctions, airstrikes and maritime seizures. Analysts warn the latest escalation risks deepening regional instability and raising the prospect of wider confrontation.