The US has reportedly 'captured' Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, amid a series of strikes and military actions. The news comes as a shock, with Trump's statement on Truth Social claiming the US has successfully carried out a large-scale strike and captured Maduro. However, the details of the capture remain scarce, and the Venezuelan government has not yet confirmed this. The US had offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest, and this, along with the military build-up, could have encouraged someone inside the country to turn against him.
The aftermath of the strikes in Caracas has been captured in images, showing flames and smoke rising above the city. This comes at a moment of heightened tension between the US and Venezuela, with the US accusing Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking organization, something Maduro denies. The US has launched 30 strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats since September, killing over 110 people.
The Venezuelan government has rejected and denounced the US military aggression, calling for social and political forces to mobilize against the 'imperialist attack'. Maduro has declared a national emergency and urged the nation to mobilize, stating that the strikes aim to seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, and break the nation's political independence.
The situation is causing concern among Venezuelans, with journalists reporting feelings of fear and uncertainty. The US continues to pressure Maduro, accusing him of various crimes, and the tension between the two countries remains high.
