Trump says US has ‘captured’ Venezuelan President Maduro amid large scale strikes
President Donald Trump says the US has carried out a “large scale strike against Venezuela” and “captured its leader, President Nicolas Maduro” and his wife.
Here’s the statement from Truth Social in full:
“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.
“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! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the US army’s Delta Force, officials tell the BBC’s US partner CBS News.
Delta Force is the US military’s top counter terrorism unit.
Venezuela’s Defence Minister has announced an immediate deployment of military forces across the country.
Speaking in Spanish in a video address, Vladimir Padrino López called for a united front of resistance in the face of “the worst aggression” ever against Venezuela, adding that Venezuela was following “Maduro’s orders” that all armed forces will be deployed.
“They’ve attacked us but they will not subdue us,” says the defence minister.
We’ve just heard from Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
She says the government does not know the whereabouts of President Maduro or the First Lady Cilia Flores.
She added that the government demanded “immediate proof of life” for them both.
