U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela, resulting in the capture and removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country. The post, shared moments ago, stated that the operation was conducted in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.
Trump announced a news conference scheduled for 11 a.m. at Mar-a-Lago to provide further details. "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," Trump wrote. "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."
As of now, The Guardian has been unable to independently verify Trump's claims.
The relationship between the United States and Venezuela has been strained for years, marked by U.S. sanctions and accusations of human rights abuses and authoritarianism against the Maduro regime. The U.S. has previously supported opposition leader Juan Guaidó, recognizing him as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela following contested elections in 2018.
The alleged capture and removal of Maduro would represent a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuelan affairs. It remains to be seen what justification Trump will offer for the purported military action and what the implications will be for regional stability.
The situation is rapidly developing, and further updates are expected following Trump's news conference later today. The international community is likely to react strongly to any confirmed reports of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.
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