United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, has been captured and flown out of the country following a U.S.-led operation linked to drug trafficking allegations.
President Trump made the claim on Friday, alleging that the operation was carried out by U.S. forces in collaboration with law enforcement agencies as part of Washington’s efforts to combat international narcotics trafficking.
According to Trump, Maduro was apprehended during the operation and removed from Venezuela, although he did not disclose where the Venezuelan leader was taken or provide further operational details.
The claim has not been independently confirmed, and no formal statement has been issued by U.S. authorities beyond the president’s remarks.
Meanwhile, reports from Venezuela indicate heightened security activity in parts of the country, including the capital, Caracas, where residents reported loud explosions, power disruptions and unusual military movements.
The Venezuelan government has dismissed Trump’s claim as false and inflammatory, accusing the United States of spreading misinformation and attempting to destabilise the country. Officials insist that President Maduro remains in charge and that the nation’s sovereignty has not been breached.
Maduro’s administration has repeatedly denied allegations linking the president to drug trafficking, describing such accusations as politically motivated. Caracas has also accused Washington of using sanctions and propaganda to undermine its leadership.
The development has further escalated already strained relations between the United States and Venezuela, raising concerns among observers about regional stability and the potential diplomatic fallout.
