Post by : Meena Ariff

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured during a high-intensity overnight operation and flown out of the country, according to an announcement made by US President Donald Trump early Saturday morning.

Trump revealed the development in a social media post at 4:21 am, confirming that Maduro was in US custody. The announcement came shortly after reports of explosions in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, sparked speculation of a major military action.

Earlier, several loud blasts were heard across parts of Caracas in an attack that lasted less than half an hour. Witnesses reported at least seven explosions, with visible smoke rising from a military base hangar. Another military installation in the city reportedly lost power following the strikes. The targets appeared to be key military infrastructure linked to Venezuela’s armed forces.

Maduro and Flores were reportedly at their residence inside the Ft. Tiuna military complex, located on the outskirts of Caracas, when US forces carried out the operation. The mission, code-named “Absolute Resolve,” was executed under cover of darkness after weeks of preparation.

According to officials familiar with the plan, the operation involved extensive rehearsals, including training on a replica of the presidential compound. US personnel were reportedly equipped with specialized cutting tools to breach reinforced safe rooms if necessary.

A journalist from a leading American newspaper, who has been covering US policy toward Venezuela for nearly a year, said early signs strongly suggested US involvement once the explosions were reported. Official confirmation followed when Trump publicly announced Maduro’s capture.

The journalist later contacted Trump directly by phone. While the president did not provide detailed answers during the brief call, he directed reporters to await further clarification at a scheduled press conference.

American authorities have since stated that Maduro and his wife are expected to face narco-terrorism and related charges in US courts. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long accused Washington of attempting to overthrow his government to gain control over the country’s vast oil resources.

The dramatic operation marks a major escalation in US-Venezuela tensions and is likely to trigger strong reactions across Latin America and beyond as the global community awaits further official statements.

#Global News #Donald Trump