Venezuelan President Maduro and wife indicted on 'narco terrorism' charges in New York following 'capture'

It comes hours after Donald Trump claimed President Maduro and his wife had been 'captured' by the US and 'flown out' of Venezuela following a series of airstrikes on the capital Caracas.

Facing charges in the Southern District of New York, President Maduro is facing a slew of drugs and weapons charges, including:

• narco-terrorism conspiracy
• cocaine importation conspiracy
• possession of machine guns and destructive devices
• and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the US

Taking to X, US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote: "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts. 

"On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People, and a huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers."

Read more: Trump confirms first strike on Venezuelan soil in escalation of military operations

Read more: New ‘Trump class’ warships to be 'biggest ever built' as US president ramps up pressure on Venezuela

The news comes as Sir Keir Starmer says he has not yet spoken to Donald Trump about the "fast moving situation", but went on to add: "I will want to talk to the president, I will want to talk to allies."

When asked about Trump's claims that he had 'captured' Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, Starmer was seen to add: "I want to establish the facts first.

"As you know, I always say and believe that we should uphold international law."

At least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft were seen across Venezuela's capital during the early hours of Saturday, after repeated threats from Donald Trump against the country's leader Nicolas Maduro.

Reform leader Nigel Farage branded the actions of the US "unorthodox" and "contrary to international law" but failed to go as far as condemning the strikes.

"The American actions in Venezuela overnight are unorthodox and contrary to international law — but if they make China and Russia think twice, it may be a good thing. I hope the Venezuelan people can now turn a new leaf without Maduro."

Low-flying aircraft, loud explosions and columns of smoke were seen and heard during the early hours of Saturday morning, with several locations targeted across the capital.

In response, Venezuela says it has deployed its armed forces for the "integral defence of the nation".

It comes as the UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice for Venezuela, advising Britons against all travel to the country.

"Those already there should shelter in place but be prepared to change plans quickly if necessary," it confirmed.

It comes amid warnings that travel insurance may be invalid if people travel in spite of the advice.

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, the US President confirmed on Saturday that the United States "has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela."

He added that President Maduro and his wife have been "captured and flown out of the country" as part of an operation carried out by "US law enforcement".

Venezuela has since declared a "national emergency", with the country's government accusing Trump of "military aggression".

The US President is now scheduled to hold a press conference at 4pm GMT where he is expected to reveal further details surrounding the US strikes.

The action follows threats from Trump and ramped up military pressure against Maduro linked to what the US President claims to be an ongoing war on drug cartels.

However, Venezuela's government was seen to denounce the aggression, accusing the US of "attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence".

It comes as opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado - a figure backed by Trump - added that she is focused on achieving a peaceful transition.

"We have plans and teams ready to take control on day one," she said, outlining that she wasn't involved in any part of the US decision making process.

In the Truth Social post, uploaded shortly after 9:30am GMT, Trump wrote: "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country.

"This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago."

"Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP".

In response to US action, Russia expressed its "concern" over events, with Putin famously expressing his support for the Venezuelan leader.

In a statement, the Russian foreign ministry branded it a "matter of deep concern and condemnation".

"The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded," it added. "Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism and a willingness to build relationships of trust and predictability."

The explosions reportedly began at 1:50am local time, with one targeting Fort Tiona, the headquarters of the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense.

The southern part of the city, located close to a major military base, has been left without power, as have several other areas, according to reports.

Meanwhile, a column of smoke has been seen rising from La Carlota airport.

Locals from several neighbourhoods reportedly poured into the streets amid the chaotic scenes.

Some residents were forced to evacuate a building near the Miraflores presidential palace after the explosions were heard.

The Venezuelan government has accused the US of committing the attack, saying it "rejects, repudiates, and denounces" America's "military aggression".

It said the US is attempting to "seize Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly its oil and minerals, attempting to forcibly break the nation's political independence".

"Such aggression threatens international peace and stability, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean, and seriously endangers the lives of millions of people," it added in a statement.

The White House and Pentagon have yet to officially commented on Saturday's strikes, but American officials speaking anonymously to US outlets have confirmed reports that the US is behind the attacks.

It comes after US President Donald Trump warned his deadly drone strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats could soon move to land.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now banned US flights over Venezuela over a "potentially hazardous situation".

It issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for the Maiquetia Flight Information Region, including Venezuela, citing "ongoing military activity".

The US embassy in Bogota, Columbia, has also warned US citizens not to travel to Venezuela, with those in the country told to shelter in place.

On Monday, Mr Trump claimed the US had carried out a strike on a "dock area" connected to alleged Venezuelan drug vessels, resulting in a "major explosion".

He did not specify whether it was a military or CIA operation or where the strike took place, but said it happened “along the shore”.

Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's president, has not commented Monday’s alleged strike, but said he was open to cooperation with Washington on Thursday after weeks of military pressure.

Following a phone call with Mr Maduro last month, Mr Trump took to social media to declare Venezuelan airspace should be considered closed and that military action could begin “very soon.”

Mr Trump allegedly offered the Venezuelan leader, as well as his wife and son, safe passage out of the country if he resigned immediately.

The Trump administration began striking boats in the Caribbean in September after claiming they were being used to traffic drugs to the US without providing evidence.

Mr Trump claims Mr Maduro and Venezuelan drug gangs have infiltrated the US.