U.S. Forces Capture Venezuelan Leader Maduro in Military Operation

U.S. military forces have captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a covert operation, according to multiple reports and statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The action marks a dramatic escalation in the long-standing political crisis in the South American nation.

The operation, which reportedly occurred early Saturday, resulted in the detention of Maduro and his wife. U.S. officials stated the couple was subsequently flown out of Venezuela and that Maduro is now in U.S. custody to face criminal charges [40871][41199].

Former President Trump announced the capture, claiming it was part of a "large-scale strike" successfully carried out by American forces [40508][40806]. Following the operation, Trump stated that the United States would now "run" Venezuela to ensure what he called a safe and proper transition of power [40916][40790].

The Venezuelan government has acknowledged the incident. The country's defense minister confirmed the capture in a statement, noting that several members of Maduro's security team were killed during the action. In response, Venezuela has deployed its armed forces nationwide in a move officials say is to protect national sovereignty [41581].

The capture follows years of political turmoil and economic collapse in Venezuela. The United States and dozens of other nations had previously recognized opposition figure Juan Guaidó as the country's legitimate interim president, declaring Maduro's 2018 re-election a fraud [40972][40790].

In the wake of Maduro's removal, uncertainty surrounds Venezuela's political future. Trump has publicly questioned the strength of designated opposition successors, including primary winner María Corina Machado, casting doubt on a clear path forward [40962][41581]. Meanwhile, prominent U.S. Republicans have distanced themselves from Trump's assertion of direct American control over Venezuela, with some calling the operation illegal and the White House offering no detailed plan for governance [41689].

The international community is awaiting further verification and details regarding the operation's legal basis and the subsequent steps for Venezuela's administration.