US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Wife, Flies Them Out of Country

In a shocking development, US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been captured and flown out of Venezuela.

Trump said on his X platform that the United States carried out a “large-scale strike” in the early hours, in coordination with US law enforcement. He added that more details would be shared in a news conference scheduled for Saturday at Mar-a-Lago.

Venezuela President nicolas maduro — Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro: Photo courtesy Getty Images

Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013 after the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez, started his career as a bus driver, later rising through union leadership and government roles. However, his leadership has been marked by economic collapse, hyperinflation, corruption, and harsh crackdowns on protests.

Over the years, Venezuela has suffered food and medicine shortages, mass emigration, and a failing currency. More than eight million Venezuelans have left the country due to the crisis.

Trump has long criticised Maduro, accusing him of election rigging, leading a drug cartel, and causing mass Venezuelan migration to the US. He has also claimed that Venezuelan oil was stolen during nationalisation, though Maduro denies all allegations.

Videos circulating on social media show explosions in Caracas and military aircraft in the skies. The US reportedly has a significant military presence off the Venezuelan coast, including a third of its Navy.

In recent months, the US has also intercepted Venezuelan oil tankers and imposed a blockade, while opposition leaders like Maria Corina Machado have been preparing for a political takeover.

This dramatic move could signal a major shift in Venezuela’s leadership, though the response of the Venezuelan security forces remains uncertain.