Maduro ‘Captured and Flown Out’ of Venezuela as Trump Refuses to Rule Out War

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in a published social media post announcing alleged military action against Venezuela. Image credit: Screenshot / Social Media.

President Donald Trump, the current President of the United States of America, on Saturday made a stunning and controversial announcement, claiming that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following what he described as a “large-scale military strike” on Venezuela.
In a post shared on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that the United States had successfully executed a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, adding that both had been “flown out of the country.”

“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,” Trump wrote.

He further stated that the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement,” though he did not immediately provide further details about the location of Maduro’s detention or the legal basis for the action. Trump announced that he would address the nation and the international community during a news conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. local time at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he has been spending the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

In a brief phone interview with The New York Times, Trump praised the alleged operation, calling it “brilliant” and crediting extensive planning and the professionalism of U.S. forces.

“A lot of good planning and a lot of great, great troops and great people,” Trump was quoted as saying.

The statement, if confirmed, would mark one of the most dramatic U.S. military actions in Latin America in decades and would represent an unprecedented escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with the Venezuelan government. Trump’s claim comes after months of escalating military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Venezuela and its oil-dependent economy. Since returning to the White House, Trump has adopted a hardline approach toward the Maduro government, accusing it of drug trafficking, human rights abuses, and economic sabotage involving U.S. oil assets.
In December, Trump openly suggested that it would be “smart” for Maduro to step down, warning that the Venezuelan leader’s “days are numbered.” While Trump has stopped short of publicly calling for regime change, his rhetoric and actions have increasingly signaled a willingness to use force.
The United States, along with several European and Latin American nations, does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela, citing disputed elections and alleged democratic violations.

Ironically, Trump’s announcement came just two days after Nicolás Maduro reportedly attempted to open dialogue with the U.S. president. Maduro had expressed willingness to cooperate with Washington on combating drug trafficking and illegal migration, two issues Trump has repeatedly cited as national security concerns. That outreach now appears to have been overtaken by events, as Trump’s statement suggests that diplomatic efforts were sidelined in favor of decisive military action.

In recent months, the United States has dramatically increased its military footprint in the Caribbean region. A significant naval and aerial presence has been deployed, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, accompanied by multiple warships, surveillance aircraft, and strike capabilities.
U.S. forces have also reportedly seized two oil tankers at sea as part of an oil blockade aimed at cutting off Venezuela’s primary source of revenue. Additionally, American forces have carried out aerial strikes targeting small boats accused of drug trafficking, operations that have reportedly resulted in more than 100 deaths. Earlier this week, Trump confirmed that U.S. forces had destroyed a docking facility allegedly used by Venezuelan drug traffickers, marking what analysts say was the first known U.S. strike on Venezuelan soil during the current campaign.

Venezuela’s government had earlier accused the United States of “extremely serious military aggression” after a series of explosions were reported in the capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday. The blasts followed weeks of heightened tension and military maneuvers by U.S. forces in the region. Venezuelan officials described the explosions as part of a broader effort by Washington to destabilize the country and remove its leadership by force.

When asked earlier this week whether the United States was heading toward a full-scale war with Venezuela, Trump refused to rule it out, saying all options remained on the table. His comments have sparked intense debate both domestically and internationally, with critics warning that military intervention could plunge the region into chaos, while supporters argue that decisive action is necessary to curb drug trafficking and restore democracy in Venezuela.

As of Saturday evening, there has been no independent confirmation of Trump’s claim from Venezuelan authorities or international organizations. Global leaders and observers are closely monitoring developments, as confirmation of Maduro’s capture would have far-reaching consequences for regional stability, energy markets, and international law. Human rights groups and diplomatic analysts have raised questions about the legality of detaining a sitting head of state and the potential precedent such an action could set.
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If Trump’s claims are verified, Venezuela could enter a period of profound uncertainty. The removal of Maduro could trigger internal power struggles, civil unrest, or even armed resistance from factions loyal to the government. Meanwhile, Trump’s promised news conference is expected to provide more clarity on the scope of the operation, Maduro’s current status, and Washington’s next steps. For now, the world waits as one of the most dramatic geopolitical stories of the year continues to unfold, with implications that could reshape U.S.–Latin American relations for years to come.

By Primelineinfo