BREAKING: The United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This extraordinary nighttime operation, confirmed by President Donald Trump on social media, unfolded just hours ago and marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts against the Maduro regime.
Explosions rocked Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, as low-flying aircraft conducted precision strikes. The U.S. has faced mounting pressure to act against Maduro, accused of transforming the nation into a hub for drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government swiftly condemned the assault, labeling it an “imperialist attack” and called on citizens to protest in the streets.
Trump announced the operation on Truth Social shortly after 4:30 a.m. ET, stating he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. ET to provide further details. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau declared, “The tyrant is gone,” emphasizing a new era for Venezuela. He confirmed that Maduro is now in U.S. custody and will face criminal charges.
This dramatic move follows an indictment in March 2020, where Maduro was charged with narcoterrorism. The U.S. Justice Department alleged he conspired with Colombian rebels to smuggle cocaine into the United States, transforming Venezuela into a criminal enterprise.
Senator Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, reiterated that Maduro does not represent a legitimate government, hinting at a future devoid of his influence. Meanwhile, Senator Mike Lee revealed that Rubio informed him of the operation and anticipated no further military action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in custody.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory, urging Americans in Venezuela to “shelter in place” due to ongoing military action. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, which handles affairs for American citizens in Venezuela, has been closed since March 2019, but operates remotely.
In response to the strikes, Colombian President Gustavo Petro convened a national security meeting. He expressed concerns over a potential influx of Venezuelan refugees and plans to call on the U.N. Security Council to address what he describes as aggression against Venezuela’s sovereignty.
Russian officials condemned the U.S. operations, deeming them an “act of armed aggression” and advocating for Venezuela’s right to self-determination. They announced solidarity with the Venezuelan government and called for dialogue to prevent escalation.
As the situation unfolds, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, signaling uncertainty about their fate. “We do not know the whereabouts of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores,” she stated, heightening tensions amid a rapidly changing landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as President Trump prepares to address the nation. The world watches closely as these historic events unfold in Venezuela.
