Trump Announces Major Military Operation Against Venezuela Amid Captured Leaders Claims

In a surprising announcement on Saturday, US President Donald Trump confirmed a large-scale military operation targeting Venezuela, stating that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been captured by American forces. Trump shared this development via the social platform Truth Social, asserting that the leaders were flown out of the country as part of a coordinated effort with US law enforcement. The President indicated that more details would be forthcoming and scheduled a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate at 11:00 AM on the same day. In a subsequent brief interview with The New York Times, Trump celebrated what he deemed a successful mission aimed at capturing Maduro. "Very good planning and lots of troops and exceptional people. It was a brilliant operation, truly," he stated. However, he did not provide further specifics regarding the operation or its immediate consequences. This announcement followed reports of multiple explosions in various locations across Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas, and the states of Aragua and La Guaira. The Venezuelan government has since alleged that these airstrikes were conducted by the United States. In response to Trump's claims about the capture of their president, the Venezuelan government remains silent on the specifics but has issued a vehement statement denouncing what it described as a severe military aggression by the US. The statement emphasized the violation of international law, specifically referencing the United Nations Charter's provisions on state sovereignty and the prohibition of the use of force. The Venezuelan government condemned the attacks, characterizing them as a threat to international peace and stability in the region, particularly concerning the safety and rights of millions of people. It asserted that it has activated all national defense plans to respond adequately to the situation, with Maduro allegedly signing a decree declaring a state of external commotion throughout the national territory to safeguard the population's rights. As tensions escalate between the United States and Venezuela, the world watches closely for further developments in what could have significant implications for regional stability in Latin America and beyond. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3