The United States hit Venezuela with a “large-scale strike” Saturday and said its president, Nicolás Maduro, had been captured and flown out of the country after months of stepped-up pressure by Washington.

Venezuela’s government launched a far-reaching crackdown after Maduro’s ouster, detaining journalists and civilians and sending armed gangs to the streets.

Residents in the capital said they are seeing an increased presence of government security forces, as well as armed civilian paramilitaries loyal to the government.

Many of the Venezuelans jubilantly celebrating Nicolás Maduro's removal are also celebrating what they see as the 'death of socialism.'

Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, as the Venezuelan government sought to show its people and the world that it is being run independently.

The release, which began on Thursday, offers the first gesture of conciliation under an interim government, even as arrests and crackdowns continue.

Economists say the U.S. selling Venezuela’s backlogged crude supply could help bring the country out of the shadows.

Trump administration officials say the Venezuelan government only has a few weeks before they “go broke” if it doesn’t “play ball.”

The deal could be worth $2.8 billion as Trump meets with oil executives amid tensions following Maduro's capture.

A photo of 21-year-old Mariana Camargo dashing through the streets of eastern Caracas as explosions boomed in the background was soon on front pages of major international outlets