US captures Venezuela's Maduro, wife in 'large-scale strike': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has announced the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The announcement was made on Saturday, just hours after the US carried out large-scale strikes in Venezuela. The strikes targeted military facilities and other sites in the capital city of Caracas. "My heart was pumping and legs were shaking," an eyewitness in Caracas told BBC after hearing explosions across the city.
Emergency declared
Venezuela declares national emergency, rejects US actions
In response to the strikes, Venezuela has declared a state of national emergency. The Venezuelan government has rejected and denounced what it calls "military aggression." Maduro was reportedly captured by the US Army's Delta Force, a top counter-terrorism unit. However, details about his capture or where he has been taken remain unclear.
Civilian impact
Venezuelan defense minister accuses US of hitting civilian areas
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino has said the strikes hit civilian areas and alleged that military targets were not the primary focus. He said the government is collecting information about casualties and injuries. The US had previously offered a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest, which was seen as an encouragement for someone inside Venezuela to turn against him.
Presidential address
Trump to address nation from Mar-a-Lago
Trump has confirmed a news conference at 11:00 EST (16:00 BST) at his Florida residence, Mar-a-Lago. The White House has not yet responded to the strikes or Trump's announcement. This comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Venezuela over allegations of drug trafficking and crime linked to Maduro's government. The US has been ramping up pressure on Maduro for weeks, accusing him of using oil money to fund drug-related crime and forcing inmates to migrate to the US.