The United States on Saturday said Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro had been taken into custody following a military action carried out in the early hours, a development that has triggered sharp reactions across Latin America and beyond.
The account was based on statements issued by the White House and reports from international media monitoring events in Caracas and Washington.
Washington said the action followed months of rising tension, with U.S. officials accusing the Caracas government of links to narcotics trafficking and threats to regional security. American authorities said diplomatic pressure and sanctions failed to bring a political transition, leading to what they described as a targeted operation.
Residents in parts of the Venezuelan capital reported loud explosions overnight, while power outages were recorded in several districts. Venezuelan officials later condemned the move, calling it an assault on national sovereignty and urging supporters to remain calm.
U.S. officials said Maduro and his wife were removed from the country after the operation and could face long-standing criminal charges already filed in American courts. They maintained that the action was aimed at restoring order and opening a path to fresh elections.
Regional leaders and global bodies began emergency consultations as news of the development spread, with some governments calling for restraint and respect for international law.
Events remain fluid, and independent verification of several claims is still underway as reactions continue to unfold.
