President Donald Trump's claim that the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, amid large-scale attacks on Venezuela, has drawn international attention. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated on Saturday that the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro and Flores.
In an audio message broadcast on state television, Rodriguez said the government is demanding proof that Maduro and Flores are still alive. These developments follow reported strikes by U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Trump administration has long sought to remove Maduro from power, levying sanctions against Venezuelan officials and entities, citing concerns over human rights, corruption, and the legitimacy of the 2018 presidential election. These actions are part of a broader U.S. policy aimed at promoting democracy and stability in the region.
The situation draws parallels to previous U.S. interventions involving foreign leaders, such as the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. Hussein was captured by U.S. forces in 2003 following the invasion of Iraq, while Noriega was apprehended in 1989 after a U.S. military operation in Panama.
The international community has reacted with concern, with some nations calling for restraint and dialogue to resolve the Venezuelan crisis. The United Nations has yet to issue an official statement, but diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to ascertain the facts and de-escalate the situation.
The current status of Maduro and Flores remains unconfirmed, and the Venezuelan government is awaiting further information. The U.S. government has not yet released details regarding the circumstances of the alleged capture or the legal basis for its actions.
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