Trump claims Maduro captured as US strikes Venezuela
Venezuela's government has declared a national emergency following what it describes as attacks on installations across multiple states
CARACAS, Venezuela (MNTV) — U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela and that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been “captured and flown out of the country.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement.”
The U.S. government has not issued an official statement confirming the strikes or the alleged capture.
Venezuela’s government has declared a national emergency following what it describes as attacks on civilian and military installations across multiple states, including the capital Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira.
The government condemned what it called “military aggression” by Washington, accusing the U.S. of attacking sovereign Venezuelan territory.
Videos circulating on social media earlier Saturday showed thick smoke rising from several locations in Caracas, with air-raid sirens audible and low-flying aircraft spotted over the city. Power outages were reported in areas near a major military base.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a sharp condemnation, describing the U.S. action as a “criminal attack” and “state terrorism” against Venezuela and “Our America.”
He called for an urgent international response, saying Cuba’s “zone of peace” was being “brutally assaulted.”
Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concern over the escalating tensions.
Background
The reported strikes come after months of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. The U.S. has accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking, charges he has denied.
Washington raised the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million and increased military activity in the Caribbean.
The Trump administration has conducted more than 20 air strikes in waters near Venezuela since September while imposing sanctions on the country’s oil sector and ramping up military pressure.
Just days ago, Maduro indicated he was open to negotiating with the U.S. on combating drug trafficking, saying he was ready for dialogue “whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”
The Venezuelan leader has accused Washington of pursuing regime change to gain control of the country’s vast oil reserves.
Venezuela faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, though the current situation involves bilateral tensions with the US rather than the Gaza-related proceedings against Israel.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
