The United States launches a major military operation in Venezuela, with President Donald Trump claiming that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife are captured and flown out of the country following what he describes as a large-scale strike.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Trump says US forces carry out the operation in the early hours of the day, adding that the United States will temporarily oversee Venezuela during a transition period, Mediaplusng.com reports. He states that the move is aimed at stabilising the country and restoring oil production.
According to US officials quoted in American media, the operation involves the US Army’s elite Delta Force unit. The strike follows months of increased US military presence in the Caribbean, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and other naval assets. US authorities say the buildup is part of broader efforts to counter drug trafficking and regional security threats.
Trump further claims that Maduro and his wife arrive in New York on Saturday, where the Venezuelan leader is transferred to a detention facility ahead of prosecution, Mediaplusng.com understands. He is expected to face federal charges linked to drug trafficking and alleged collaboration with groups designated by the US as terrorist organisations.
The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, confirms that a new indictment is filed against Maduro, expanding on charges first announced in 2020. The Venezuelan leader has consistently denied all allegations, describing them as politically motivated and unlawful under international law.
US officials say the military action follows a series of operations at sea, including strikes on more than 30 vessels accused of transporting illegal drugs. Washington argues that these activities form part of a coordinated effort to disrupt criminal networks operating across the region.
The announcement sparks immediate international attention, with analysts noting that the capture of a sitting president through military force would mark a dramatic escalation in US–Venezuela relations. Legal experts also question the implications under international law, particularly regarding sovereignty and the use of force without multilateral approval.
As of the time of reporting, the Venezuelan government has not issued an official response to the claims. Independent verification from international bodies and US government institutions, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice, remains limited.
Observers say further clarification from US authorities is expected, given the far-reaching political, legal, and economic consequences of the operation. The situation continues to evolve as global leaders and institutions assess the implications for regional stability and international diplomacy.
