US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and that the country’s leader, President Nicolás Maduro, has been captured along with his wife.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that the operation had been successful and that President Maduro and his wife had been flown out of Venezuela.
“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 wrote.
“This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a news conference today at 11am at Mar-a-Lago.”
Blasts heard
The statement came amid reports of explosions in Caracas and surrounding areas overnight. The US embassy in Venezuela said it was aware of reports of blasts in the capital and its outskirts.
In a notice posted on its website, the embassy strongly advised US citizens currently in Venezuela to “depart immediately” and reiterated guidance against travel to the South American country. A similar warning was issued by the US embassy in Bogotá, which urged Americans not to travel to Venezuela under any circumstances.
NBC News reported that the apparent strikes could represent the latest escalation in a broader pressure campaign by the United States aimed at forcing President Maduro to step down. According to the report, Trump has in recent weeks intensified political and military pressure on the Venezuelan leadership.
Escalating pressure
Last month, Trump said it would be “smart” for President Maduro to resign and did not rule out the possibility of war with Venezuela. The pressure campaign has reportedly included an increased US military presence in the region and more than 20 strikes on vessels that Washington says were involved in drug trafficking in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean near Venezuelan waters.
Developments on the ground in Caracas remain unclear, and international reaction is still emerging. Further details are expected to be provided at the news conference announced by Trump later today.