WASHINGTON (Kashmir English): The United States has struck the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and captured its President Nicolas Maduro, who has been taken out of the country, President Donald Trump said on Saturday.
“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,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
There was no immediate confirmation from the Venezuelan government.
The U.S. has accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging an election. The Venezuelan leader, who succeeded Hugo Chavez to take power in 2013, has said Washington wants to take control of its oil reserves, the largest in the world.
Earlier on Saturday, loud explosions and aeroplanes were heard in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, with alleged videos of the operation showing American helicopters attacking a military facility in the city.
Following the airstrikes, Maduro’s government accused the U.S. of military aggression and ordered the activation of defence plans. At least several explosions were reported in different Venezuelan cities.
