U.S. Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro: A Nighttime Operation Unfolds
In a dramatic nighttime operation, the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation. The U.S. military action, reminiscent of the 1990 invasion of Panama, was carried out following escalating pressure on Venezuela by the Trump administration. Maduro and Flores are now facing charges after an indictment in New York, with the promise of facing American justice in U.S. courts.
The Venezuelan government accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations, labeling it an “imperialist attack” and calling on citizens to take to the streets. With Maduro's whereabouts unknown, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume power under Venezuelan law. The attack, which lasted less than 30 minutes, resulted in multiple explosions and casualties among Venezuelan civilians and military personnel.
President Trump confirmed that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country, with the operation carried out in conjunction with U.S. law enforcement. The Pentagon referred questions about the safety of American personnel involved in the operation to the White House, which did not immediately disclose the destination of Maduro and his wife.
The U.S. military operation in Venezuela followed a months-long pressure campaign on Maduro, including a buildup of American forces in the region and attacks on boats suspected of drug smuggling. The strike on Maduro marks a significant development in the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela, with reactions from various international leaders condemning or supporting the action. The situation remains fluid as the world awaits further updates on the aftermath of the operation.