US claims Maduro arrested, to face trial in Washington

A senior United States lawmaker has claimed that Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, has been arrested by American forces and will be taken to the United States to face criminal charges.

Republican Senator Mike Lee said he was informed by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, that the military operation carried out overnight in Venezuela was aimed at enforcing an arrest warrant against the embattled leader.

According to Lee, Washington does not intend to take further military action in Venezuela now that Maduro is reportedly in US custody.

The claim followed an earlier announcement by US President, Donald Trump, who said American forces had captured President Maduro and his wife during what he described as a large-scale military strike on Venezuelan territory.

In reaction, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and accused the United States of launching an act of military aggression against a sovereign nation.

Residents of Caracas, the capital city, reported loud explosions and fires in several areas, describing scenes of fear, panic and widespread confusion.

The United States has long accused Maduro of leading an international drug trafficking network—allegations the Venezuelan leader has consistently denied. Washington had previously placed a $50 million reward on information leading to his arrest, while intensifying military pressure in the region.

As of press time, Venezuelan authorities had yet to officially confirm the reported arrest.