Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan President. File
In a dramatic confrontation that has sparked global outrage, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reportedly been arrested alongside his wife by United States forces following what Washington described as a major military operation against the South American nation.
In a statement, U.S. President Donald Trump said Maduro and his wife had been transported out of Venezuela, though he did not disclose their destination. Trump added that U.S. forces carried out heavy military strikes against the country, escalating an already tense standoff between Washington and Caracas.
The long-running dispute between the United States and Maduro’s government stems from Washington’s refusal to recognize his administration as legitimate. The U.S. has accused Maduro of election fraud, widespread corruption, and involvement in drug trafficking. For years, the United States imposed sweeping economic and political sanctions aimed at pressuring him to step down.
The Venezuelan government has strongly condemned the operation, describing it as a military invasion and a blatant act of aggression against the country’s sovereignty. Authorities in Caracas warned that Venezuela would resist what they termed foreign military hostility and called on the international community to intervene.
Meanwhile, officials in the capital have demanded proof that President Maduro and his wife are alive, as uncertainty and tension continue to grip the nation. The developments have raised serious concerns about regional stability and the risk of a wider international crisis.