Amidst suspected airstrikes and powerful explosions in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, US President Donald Trump has made a claim that has stirred global political turmoil. Trump has said that the US has detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Donald Trump claimed in an official statement that US security forces carried out this operation as part of a special and secret operation. According to Trump, this action was taken to “restoration of democracy and regional security” in Venezuela. However, this claim has not yet been independently confirmed by any international agency or the Venezuelan government.
Explosions, black smoke and military activity in Caracas
Earlier on Saturday, loud explosions were heard in several areas of Caracas. Black smoke was seen rising around government buildings, causing panic throughout the city. According to local media reports, security was increased in the capital following the attacks, and several areas were sealed off.
According to the US, airstrikes weakened Maduro’s security cordon, after which special forces took action and detained him. However, it is not yet clear whether Maduro and his wife are being held in a secure location within Venezuela or are being taken to the US.
Geopolitical earthquake in global politics
This development is being seen as the biggest military and political reversal in Latin American history. Russia and China, longtime key allies of the Maduro government, are expected to react strongly to this claim. Experts believe that if Trump’s claim proves true, this action could be a decisive step towards regime change in Venezuela. For Venezuela, already grappling with economic crisis and political instability, this development could prove to be a defining moment for the future.