Caracas, Jan. 3 -- : US President Donald Trump claimed early Saturday that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and taken out of the country during a large-scale U.S. military operation, a statement that sent shockwaves across the region and intensified global attention.

Trump posted on TruthSocial, "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! Presiden...