Video shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in US drug agency custody in New York

According to reports, Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured during an early-morning operation carried out by US special forces in Caracas on Saturday (local time).

The couple was subsequently flown to the United States, where they arrived at a military base later in the evening before being transferred to New York City.

US media reports say the 63-year-old Venezuelan leader will be moved from the DEA office to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, a federal jail that previously held rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs during his trial last year.

Maduro and Flores have reportedly been charged with narco-terrorism, alleged involvement in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine into the United States, and possession of illegal weapons.

The developments have triggered strong reactions internationally, with Venezuela seeking urgent diplomatic consultations and calling for proof of the president’s safety, while global leaders closely monitor the unfolding situation.

Trump said US forces carried out a “large-scale strike” across Venezuela before capturing Maduro and flying him, along with his wife, out of the country to a US military vessel offshore.

He described the mission as a joint operation involving US law enforcement agencies and promised further details at a press conference in Florida.

Before Trump's official confirmation, residents of Caracas reported explosions, low-flying aircraft, power outages near military bases and heavy smoke over parts of the capital.

Venezuela’s government declared a national emergency and accused the United States of attacking civilian and military sites.