President Donald Trump announced early Saturday morning that the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, flying them out of the country after a “large scale strike.” This marks the administration’s most aggressive action in the region since taking office.
The shocking announcement follows months of airstrikes on alleged drug smuggling boats in the region that have killed dozens, as the administration has denied that the real goal was a regime change to oust the authoritarian leader.
“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,” the president wrote on his social media platform Truth Social at 4:21 a.m. Eastern time. “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! ”