President Donald Trump shared a bombshell announcement in an early-morning social media post as he claimed that the United States has “captured” Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flown him to the U.S. following massive strikes on the Venezuelan capital of Caracas.
News broke after midnight Friday that the United States struck Venezuela’s capital of Caracas early Saturday morning as a series of explosions were reported by multiple news outlets.
At 4:21 AM, Trump posted on Truth Social that Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured, and promised a press conference later in the day:
The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on X, “Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”
The New York Times reported on reaction from inside Venezuela by that country’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello:
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello of Venezuela, considered one of Nicolás Maduro’s top enforcers, called for calm in televised remarks and urged Venezuelans to trust the leadership. “Let no one fall into despair. Let no one make things easier for the invading enemy,” he said. Cabello also said, without providing evidence, that bombs had struck civilian buildings.
The moves follow months of threats and strikes on alleged drug boats and the U.S. seizure of oil tankers.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
