US strikes Venezuela; Trump claims Maduro captured
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Washington — President Donald Trump said Saturday that US forces launched large-scale strikes inside Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were flown out of the country. Explosions and aircraft activity were reported over Caracas and surrounding states early Saturday, with witnesses and images describing blasts, smoke and power outages. The Venezuelan government denounced the actions as serious military aggression and called for mobilization. US officials acknowledged reports of activity but provided no operational confirmation. A Trump news conference at Mar-a-Lago was scheduled for 11 a.m. to provide further details. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Months of US economic and diplomatic pressure preceded the reported operation.
- 2. Early Jan. 3: witnesses and social media reported explosions across Caracas and nearby states.
- 3. Jan. 3: Trump posted on Truth Social claiming a large-scale strike and capture of Maduro.
- 4. Jan. 3: Venezuelan authorities called the acts military aggression, declared emergency and mobilised defence.
- 5. Jan. 3: US officials acknowledged reports but offered no detailed operational confirmation; a Mar-a-Lago briefing was scheduled.
Sources
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