WASHINGTON, DC — THE United States President has confirmed that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured following a predawn military operation in Caracas.
In a post on his Truth Social account, President Donald Trump announced that Maduro will face charges related to drug trafficking and said the Venezuelan leader and his wife are being transported to the United States following an indictment.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been captured along with his wife and flown out of the country. This operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” Trump wrote.
The United States reportedly launched a surprise attack at several locations across Venezuela. Reports indicate that civilians were injured and that power was knocked out in parts of the country.
The military action has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters internationally, with some describing it as a violation of international law.
The strike and subsequent arrest of the Venezuelan leader come months after the Trump administration significantly increased its security presence in the Caribbean, a move widely viewed as a show of force against the Maduro government, which Washington has long sought to dismantle.
More recently, the United States carried out air strikes on a port facility, a move seen by observers as signalling its readiness to execute direct operations within Venezuela.
CARICOM, which has consistently promoted the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace,” responded swiftly to the developments. The regional body has previously expressed concern after U.S. forces struck vessels it claimed were involved in drug trafficking to the mainland, allegations for which no evidence was publicly presented.
In a brief statement to regional media, the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM said it met very early this morning following reports of military action in Venezuela.
“CARICOM is actively monitoring the situation, which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries. CARICOM will continue to update the people of the Region as more information is received,” the statement said.
With the Venezuelan leader now in U.S. custody, questions remain about the future direction of the South American nation.
Russia and other allies of Venezuela have condemned the action, while U.S. officials have indicated that no further military operations are expected in the immediate future.
