Reports claiming the U.S.
captured Venezuela’s president spread overnight, prompting denials, demands for
proof, and dire diplomatic reactions abroad.
Caracas, Venezuela — Unverified
reports alleging that the United States carried out a military operation
resulting in the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro circulated
widely early Saturday, triggering confusion on the ground in Caracas and urgent
responses from governments across the Atlantic. U.S. officials acknowledged
heightened military activity in the region but stopped short of confirming key
claims, while Venezuelan authorities demanded immediate proof of life.
The allegations—first amplified
on social platforms and later referenced by some media outlets—asserted that a
U.S.-ordered operation removed Maduro from Venezuela and transferred him to
U.S. custody. As of publication, no independent confirmation has established
that the Venezuelan leader has been detained or removed from the country.
What is being claimed—and what
remains unconfirmed
According to the claims, U.S.
forces executed a targeted operation overnight involving helicopters and
special units, extracting Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The accounts
further alleged that the operation followed a sealed arrest order and that criminal
charges would be pursued in the United States.
U.S. officials have not
corroborated these details. A senior administration source declined to confirm
the reports, emphasizing that “operational matters are not discussed publicly.”
The White House has not issued a formal statement confirming an arrest or
transfer.
President Donald Trump referenced
a “successful security operation” in a post on Truth Social but did not name
Maduro or confirm custody. In a brief exchange with The New York Times, Trump
praised U.S. forces’ preparedness without addressing the central claim.
Venezuela demands proof and
rejects U.S. assertions
In Caracas, Vice President Delcy
Rodríguez said the government has “no verified information” on Maduro’s
whereabouts and demanded immediate proof of life. “We categorically reject any
narrative imposed without evidence,” she said in a televised address, calling
the reports an attempt to destabilize the country.
Government supporters gathered in
parts of the capital holding posters of Maduro and late former president Hugo
Chávez, while security forces increased their presence near government
buildings. No official declaration of a change in leadership has been
announced.
U.S. officials outline legal
posture—without confirmation
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
told lawmakers in private briefings that any U.S. actions would be grounded in
existing law enforcement authorities, according to officials familiar with the
discussions. Publicly, Rubio avoided confirming an arrest but said the United
States would “pursue accountability for transnational crimes through lawful
means.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi noted
that indictments involving Venezuelan officials have been filed previously in
the Southern District of New York, cautioning that “ongoing cases cannot be
discussed.”
Background: heightened pressure
and regional deployments
The claims emerged amid months of
increased U.S. maritime and aerial activity in the Caribbean, officially framed
as counter-narcotics operations. Washington has expanded sanctions enforcement
and interdictions linked to Venezuelan oil shipments, while offering large
rewards for information related to alleged criminal networks.
U.S. officials say these measures
predate the latest reports and should not be interpreted as confirmation of an
extraordinary operation inside Venezuela.
International reactions urge
restraint and clarity
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro
Sánchez said Madrid is monitoring developments closely and coordinating with
diplomatic staff in Caracas. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
called for calm, stressing that any resolution must respect international law
and the U.N. Charter.
Several U.S. Democratic lawmakers
criticized the lack of transparency, warning that unverified claims could
escalate tensions. Senator Rubén Gallego described the situation as “deeply
concerning” and urged Congress to be briefed.
What happens next
Key questions remain unresolved:
whether Maduro is in custody, whether Congress authorized any cross-border
action, and how Venezuela’s institutions respond if proof is not produced. The
White House announced that Trump will hold a press briefing later Saturday from
Mar-a-Lago, where officials may address the reports directly.
Until then, the claims remain
unverified. Governments and markets alike are watching for authoritative
confirmation—or denial—that could reshape regional stability.
Photo: Licensed / Creative Commons
Author: Sofia Martinez — Global News Editor
Editor-in-Chief: Maria Perez