Speaking on Saturday, Trump said Maduro and his wife were taken into U.S. custody during a military operation conducted in coordination with U.S. law enforcement agencies. According to Trump, both have been charged in New York on drug trafficking and weapons related offences. U.S. authorities have previously accused Maduro of leading a narco-trafficking network, allegations he has consistently denied.

The announcement came after multiple explosions were reported across Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday, including blasts near military installations. The Venezuelan government responded by deploying armed forces nationwide and declaring a state of national emergency.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared poised to assume interim leadership as the country’s political and security situation rapidly evolved. Venezuelan state media described the events as a foreign aggression, while calling on citizens and security forces to defend national sovereignty.

The reported capture follows months of escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas. The United States has recently carried out operations in the Caribbean, targeting vessels it says were being used for drug trafficking linked to Venezuela. Washington has long refused to recognise Maduro as the country’s legitimate leader, citing disputed elections and alleged corruption.

Maduro, in turn, has accused the United States of intimidation and of seeking to seize Venezuela’s vast oil resources. During a news conference on Saturday, Trump said the U.S. would “run” Venezuela “until a safe, proper and judicious transition” could be achieved, adding that American oil companies would move into the country as part of future plans.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of Maduro’s capture from Venezuelan authorities or international observers. Several governments in Latin America and beyond have yet to comment, as global attention focuses on the rapidly unfolding situation and its potential regional consequences.