By Belize Live News Staff: Tensions escalated across the region on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had been captured and removed from power during a U.S.-led operation.
Several governments and international bodies reacted cautiously as details surrounding the operation remained limited and unconfirmed by Venezuelan state authorities. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro said in a post on X that Caracas was under attack and called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States and the United Nations.
The announcement follows months of escalating pressure by the United States against the Maduro administration. Trump has repeatedly accused Maduro of election manipulation, drug trafficking ties, and destabilizing the region.
Last month, Trump announced a blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuelan waters, claiming the move was intended to tighten economic pressure on the government in Caracas.
Maduro, who has led Venezuela since 2013, has consistently denied U.S. accusations, stating that Washington is attempting to gain control of Venezuela’s oil reserves, the largest in the world. His government has long characterized U.S. actions as foreign aggression.
Following Trump’s statement, social media reports indicated explosions in parts of the Venezuelan capital, though these claims could not be independently verified. Venezuelan state institutions have not formally confirmed the president’s status or location.
As of Saturday evening, uncertainty remained over the political situation in Venezuela, with regional leaders urging dialogue and international oversight to prevent further instability.
This is a developing story.
