US President Donald Trump says the United States has carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela and claims Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been captured and flown out of the country.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” adding that more details would be released at a news conference at Mar-a-Lago at 11:00.
Venezuela’s government earlier denounced what it called US military aggression, declaring a national emergency in response.
Eyewitnesses in Caracas reported explosions and large fires across parts of the capital. “My heart was pumping and my legs were shaking,” one resident told the BBC, as footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising over the city.
The developments come after weeks of escalating tension as Washington increased pressure on Maduro’s government.
Helicopters were seen flying over Caracas as blasts rocked the city late into the night
