Nicolás Maduro, the former bus driver who rose to become president of Venezuela, was reportedly captured Saturday during what U.S. officials described as an operation in the nation's capital. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture in a social media post early Saturday morning. However, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez later stated that the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were unknown.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated that Maduro and Flores would face charges in New York, following an indictment. The reported capture follows months of increased pressure from the U.S. government. Maduro had recently accused the U.S. of planning an invasion to end the socialist revolution initiated by his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, in 1999.

Throughout his presidency, Maduro, like Chávez, frequently criticized the United States, accusing both Democratic and Republican administrations of attempting to undermine Venezuela's sovereignty and democratic processes. He consistently portrayed the U.S. as Venezuela's primary adversary, a stance that defined much of his foreign policy.

Maduro's political career began four decades ago. According to sources, he traveled to Cuba in 1986 for political training. His rise to power was marked by a commitment to continuing Chávez's socialist policies, which included nationalization of key industries and extensive social programs.

The U.S. government has not released specific details regarding the operation leading to Maduro's reported capture. The situation remains fluid, and further announcements from both U.S. and Venezuelan officials are anticipated. The legal proceedings against Maduro in New York are expected to commence following his extradition.