Donald Trump 'captures' Nicolas Maduro after carrying out ‘large-scale airstrikes’ on Venezuela

Attacks also took place in the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira, a statement from Caracas said.

Venezuela's Government said civilians and military personnel died in the strikes.

However, the South American country did not provide specific figures.

Mr Trump this morning confirmed the US was behind the attacks and said President Maduro and his wife had been "captured and flown out the country".

He wrote in a post to Truth Social: "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 US Law Enforcement. Details to follow.

"There will be a News Conference today at 11am at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J TRUMP."

Republican US Senator Mike Lee claimed President Maduro would now "stand trial on criminal charges in the US".

"Just got off the phone with Secretary of State Marco Rubio," he wrote to X.

"He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant."

Ahead of the overnight strike, the US had accused President Maduro of running a "narco-state" and rigging last year's election, which the opposition said it won overwhelmingly.

The Venezuelan leader, who succeeded Hugo Chavez to take power in 2013, has accused Washington of wanting to control the South American nation's oil reserves, which are the largest in the world.

President Maduro was captured by elite special forces troops, an unnamed US official said.

The Venezuelan Government has said it is unaware of its leader's whereabouts, nor of his wife, Cilia Flores.

"We demand immediate proof of life of President Nicolas Maduro and the first combatant Cilia Flores," Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said in an audio played on state television.

For months, President Trump had promised land operations in Venezuela in a bid to disrupt the flow of illegal drugs to the United States.

However, Venezuela said in a statement that the goal of the attack is for the US to take possession of the country's oil and minerals.

It added that the US "will not succeed" in taking the resources.

The attacks have been condemned by several left-wing UK politicians, including Jeremy Corbyn and Zack Polanski.

Green Party leader Mr Polanski has put direct pressure on the Prime Minister to condemn Mr Trump.

He wrote on social media: "The PM and Foreign Secretary should be condemning this illegal strike and breach of international human rights law.

"After years of arming a genocide and worshipping the 'special relationship', Trump now believes he can act with impunity."

However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also appeared to voice concern about Mr Trump's decision.

Despite first becoming friends with the US President in 2016, Mr Farage warned Mr Trump's actions were "unorthodox and contrary to international law".

The Reform UK leader caveated his criticism by suggesting the strikes could still be a "good thing" if they "make China and Russia think twice".