Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States was prepared to take additional action if necessary, signalling that military operations could continue. He also issued warnings toward neighbouring countries, threatening possible military action in Colombia and Mexico, and claiming that Cuba’s communist government “looks like it’s ready to fall” without external intervention.

Trump’s remarks come amid heightened instability in Venezuela following reports of explosions in Caracas, the deployment of Venezuelan armed forces, and the declaration of a national emergency. U.S. officials have accused Maduro of drug trafficking and weapons offences, charges that Trump said would be pursued in a U.S. court.

The White House has framed its actions as part of a broader campaign against transnational crime, narcotics trafficking, and what it describes as illegitimate regimes in the Western Hemisphere. Trump has repeatedly accused the Maduro government of turning Venezuela into a hub for organised crime and regional instability.

Threats directed at Colombia and Mexico represent a sharp escalation in rhetoric, as both countries are key U.S. partners in regional security and trade. No immediate response was issued by officials in Bogotá or Mexico City, while Cuban authorities also remained silent on Trump’s comments.

The developments have raised concerns among regional leaders and analysts, who warn that aggressive U.S. intervention could destabilise Latin America and trigger widespread diplomatic fallout. International observers have called for restraint and urged verification of claims surrounding Maduro’s status and the scope of U.S. actions.

As events continue to unfold, global attention remains focused on whether Washington will follow through on further military threats and how Latin American governments respond to what could mark a turning point in regional geopolitics.

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.