WASHINGTON DC, Jan 3 (TIWN): The United States has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, following a military operation in the country, as announced by President Donald Trump.The conflict between Venezuela and the US has escalated over the past several months, primarily due to drug-trafficking issues. The US military has previously destroyed vessels suspected of carrying drugs from Venezuela. However, there has been no immediate confirmation from the Venezuelan government, which has demanded "immediate proof of life" for Maduro and his wife.

The arrest of the former Venezuelan leader was part of a large-scale military strike conducted by the US.

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country," Trump stated in a post on Truth Social.

The US has accused Maduro of running a "narco-state" and rigging the 2024 presidential election, while Maduro has claimed that the US aims to seize control of Venezuela's vast oil reserves, the largest in the world.

Prior to the strike, the US had imposed sanctions on Venezuela, conducted military operations against alleged drug-trafficking boats, and issued multiple warnings to the Maduro regime.

President Trump has indicated that further details will be provided in a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. Reports suggest the operation involved US Delta Force and resulted in Venezuelan casualties, though specifics remain limited.

A state of emergency declared by Venezuelan officials.