Trump claims U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s Maduro, wife after missile strikes; officials yet to confirm

By Johnson Arua

The United States on Satuday claimed it had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and removed him from the country following what was described as a large-scale military operation involving missile strikes across the South American nation.

The claim was made by U.S. President Donald Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he said the operation targeted both Venezuela’s leadership and strategic assets, though no independent confirmation was immediately available.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro,” Trump wrote, asserting that the Venezuelan leader and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the Country.”

Trump added that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement,” a phrasing that has raised questions among analysts about the scope of agencies involved and whether the action was military, judicial, or a combination of both.

U.S. officials contacted by major media outlets declined to immediately verify the claim, fueling speculation and uncertainty as to whether the announcement reflected an ongoing operation or a preliminary political statement.

In his post, Trump promised further clarification, stating, “Details to follow,” and announcing that a news conference would be held at 11 a.m. at his Mar-a-Lago residence, suggesting a formal briefing was imminent.

The alleged capture, if confirmed, would represent an unprecedented escalation in U.S.–Venezuela relations, which have been strained for years over sanctions, disputed elections, and allegations of human rights abuses against Maduro’s government.

In Caracas, there was no immediate response from the Venezuelan presidency or military authorities, while local media reported confusion and heightened security movements without confirming any strikes on official facilities.

Regional observers noted that missile strikes on Venezuelan territory would likely trigger sharp reactions across Latin America, with neighboring governments expected to demand explanations through diplomatic and multilateral channels.

International law experts cautioned that the forced removal of a sitting head of state would raise serious legal and geopolitical questions, particularly if carried out without broad international backing.

Trump’s reference to Maduro’s wife being captured alongside him also drew attention, as it implied a coordinated operation aimed at dismantling the Venezuelan leadership structure rather than a symbolic arrest.

As the world awaits the promised news conference, analysts say the credibility and consequences of the claim will hinge on verifiable evidence and official confirmations, with markets, diplomats, and citizens watching closely for what could mark a turning point in hemispheric politics.