Nicolás Maduro Captured by US Military, Faces Drug Charges

Capture of Nicolás Maduro

• 🇺🇸 President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, in a US military operation.
• 🎯 The operation, described as extraordinary, took place in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in the dead of night.
• 📸 President Trump shared an image captioned, "Nicholas Maduro on board the USS Euima," confirming the capture.

Charges and Indictment

• ⚖️ Maduro and Flores are facing drug crimes and conspiracy charges in the United States.
• 📰 A new indictment details their alleged "campaign of narco-terrorism against the United States."

US Military Operation Details

• ✈️ Over 150 aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and surveillance planes, were reportedly involved in the operation.
• 💥 Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft were heard in Caracas around 2 a.m. local time.
• 🤫 The administration did not inform Congress of the operation beforehand, citing fears of information leaks.

US Plans for Venezuela

• 📈 President Trump stated that the US will oversee Venezuela until a transition of power can occur.
• 🏗️ Plans include rebuilding the country's oil infrastructure, with costs expected to be covered by oil companies.
• 🚫 Maduro had previously accused the US of a monthslong pressure campaign to force regime change and gain access to its oil reserves, denying ties to the drug trade.