US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington had “successfully” carried out a “large-scale strike” against Venezuela, claiming that President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country.
Nicolas Maduro has served as Venezuela’s president since 2013, following the death of President Hugo Chávez. A long-time ally of Chávez, Maduro rose through Venezuela’s left-wing movement after working as a bus driver and trade union organiser.
During Chávez’s presidency, Maduro held the post of foreign minister and later served as vice president.
As president, Maduro has presented himself as a defender of Venezuela’s socialist project and a strong critic of the United States. He has repeatedly accused Washington of supporting coup attempts, economic pressure and sanctions intended to weaken his government.
Western governments and opposition figures accuse Maduro of authoritarian rule, weakening democratic institutions and manipulating elections, accusations he has rejected.
Maduro’s victory in the 2024 election was not recognised by most countries, including the United States.
