Trump announces capture of Venezuela’s Maduro after U.S. military operation

 A U.S. military operation was carried out in Venezuela overnight, culminating in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, according to statements from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“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 said on his social media platform.

Trump said the operation was conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement after months of pressure on Venezuela’s leadership. The announcement came hours after a series of explosions shook the capital, Caracas, as military aircraft were seen flying over the city.

“This invasion represents the biggest insult the country has ever faced,” Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said in a video statement. He added that the government would not yield to pressure from Washington.

“Far from a supposed fight against narcoterrorism, this deplorable action seeks to force a regime change.”

Videos posted by residents showed multiple large blasts and rising plumes of smoke shortly before 2 a.m. local time, while reports indicated widespread power outages across parts of the capital.

Venezuela’s government said the strikes were not limited to Caracas, adding that the coastal states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira were also affected.