Washington DC: The United States on Saturday (January 3) carried out airstrikes on Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Hours later, Donald Trump claimed that US forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country.
A picture of Maduro being captured by US soldiers is going viral on social media. In the viral photo, US soldiers could be seen holding the Venezuelan President. Meanwhile, a military chopper could also be seen. The exact location where Maduro and his wife were taken by US soldiers is not known.
In the wee hours of Saturday, loud explosions were heard in Venezuela's capital, Caracas. Hours after the blasts, Trump claimed that the US carried out airstrikes. He also claimed that Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out of the country.
"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country," the US President posted on Truth Social.
"This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a news conference today at 11 am, at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he added.
Utah Senator Mike Lee said on Saturday he was informed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arrested by U.S. personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States.
After the US President's claims, Venezuela vowed retaliation.
The development came amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela over the past few weeks. Trump has repeatedly accused the Venezuelan President of presiding over what he has described as a "narco-terrorist" government.
