United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social early Saturday, January 3, that the U.S. had carried out a “large-scale strike against Venezuela” and had “captured its leader, President Nicolás Maduro,” along with the First Lady, Cilia Flores. “This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote. Trump did not provide details about how Maduro was apprehended or where he was being held, and Venezuelan authorities had not publicly confirmed the arrest. The operation was conducted by U.S. forces, including members of Delta Force, an elite special operations unit, according to officials, and blasts were reported in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, and in other parts of the country. The Trump administration has long accused Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and of cooperating with gangs labeled by Washington as terrorist organizations, allegations he has repeatedly denied. In recent weeks, the U.S. has seized two oil tankers off Venezuela’s coast, carried out lethal strikes on more than 30…
