The United States has formally charged Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following reports that he was captured during US military strikes in Caracas early Saturday.
Trump confirmed the strikes and capture in a Truth Social post, saying:
“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.”
He added that the operation was done in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement and promised a news conference at Mar-a-Lago.
Charges Announced
US Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that both Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York.
Maduro faces four charges:
- Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy
- Cocaine Importation Conspiracy
- Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices
- Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States
Bondi said:
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.”
She did not specify charges against Flores.
Venezuela’s Response
Venezuelan leaders are demanding proof of life for Maduro and his wife.
- Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government does not know their whereabouts.
- Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López called for a united military front and said forces would act under Maduro’s orders to respond to what he described as the worst aggression against the nation.
In Short
Following the US strikes in Caracas, Maduro now faces serious federal charges in the United States, while Venezuela demands confirmation that he is alive. The situation has escalated tensions, with Venezuelan forces on high alert and the international community watching closely.
