U.S. Announces Capture of Venezuelan Leader, Vows to Assume Control
President Donald Trump has announced that United States military forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and that the U.S. will now temporarily govern the South American nation. The claims, made in a series of statements, mark a dramatic and unprecedented escalation in the long-standing political crisis in Venezuela.
According to President Trump, a U.S. military operation resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife [40506][40972]. He stated that the U.S. will now "run" Venezuela to oversee a secure transition of power [40790][40891]. The operation was described as a "large-scale" effort, though specific details regarding its location and execution have not been officially released [40704][40794].
"Until we have a safe, proper and judicious transition, we are going to run the country," Trump stated, emphasizing the temporary nature of the proposed U.S. administration [40790]. He did not provide a specific timeline or outline the exact form this control would take [40966].
The U.S. and dozens of other nations have for years recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate interim president, calling Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud [40972][40855]. This move represents a shift from diplomatic and economic pressure to direct military intervention.
There has been no immediate independent confirmation of Maduro's capture from Venezuelan authorities or international observers [40505][40972]. In response to the U.S. claim, Venezuelan officials have demanded "proof of life" for their president [40502]. The status and whereabouts of Maduro remain unknown, and the Venezuelan government has reportedly declared a state of emergency [40502].
The announcement leaves critical questions unanswered regarding the immediate governance of Venezuela, the reaction of its military, and the response from the international community [40704][41055]. The situation is developing rapidly, with further details expected from U.S. officials.
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