Trump Claims Maduro “Captured”

US President Donald Trump says in a post on Truth Social that US forces have captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro after launching a “large scale strike” on the South American country.

The United States carried out strikes on targets in Venezuela, including in the capital Caracas and at military sites.

Following the incident, Venezuela’s government condemned the action as “military aggression by the United States.”

Media reports say President Nicolás Maduro had state of national emergency, citing an external threat and ordering heightened security measures nationwide.

Residents in Caracas reported hearing loud explosions overnight, while videos circulating online appeared to show plumes of smoke and fires in parts of the city.

The reported strikes come after weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. US President Donald Trump has increased pressure on the Maduro government, accusing it of encouraging the migration of criminals to the United States an allegation Venezuela strongly denies. (Agencies)