BREAKING NEWS: In an extraordinary nighttime operation, the United States launched a large-scale strike on Venezuela early Saturday, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This unprecedented action, confirmed by President Donald Trump just after 4:30 a.m. ET, marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to remove the Maduro regime amid ongoing tensions.
Multiple explosions rang out across Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, as U.S. forces targeted key government installations. The Venezuelan government responded swiftly, labeling the attack an “imperialist act” and calling on citizens to take to the streets in protest. This military operation signals a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela, previously marked by sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
The Justice Department has long accused Maduro of transforming Venezuela into a criminal enterprise, citing indictments from 2020 that charge him with narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. The U.S. has offered $55 million in rewards for Maduro and other high-ranking officials connected to the regime, highlighting the extensive network involved in alleged criminal activities.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that this operation heralds “a new dawn for Venezuela,” asserting that “the tyrant is gone.” His remarks came shortly after the strike, as officials emphasized the need for accountability for Maduro’s alleged crimes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Maduro “is NOT the President of Venezuela,” reaffirming U.S. backing for a transition of power.
In response to the unfolding situation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro convened a national security meeting to prepare for potential refugee inflows from Venezuela. He condemned the U.S. action as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and announced plans to seek an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. strike, labeling it an “act of armed aggression” and calling for immediate dialogue to prevent further escalation. In a statement, they reiterated their support for the Venezuelan government and people.
As tensions mount, the U.S. State Department has issued an urgent travel alert for Americans in Venezuela, advising them to “shelter in place.” The embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, has been closed since March 2019 but continues to operate remotely, urging citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela.
Amidst the chaos, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded proof of life for Maduro and Flores, stating, “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro.” The situation remains volatile, with Maduro’s fate uncertain as the U.S. seeks to hold him accountable for his actions.
What’s next? A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET where President Trump is expected to provide further details on the operation and the future of U.S.-Venezuela relations. As developments unfold, the international community watches closely, with significant implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
