U.S. Military Operation in Venezuela: President Maduro Captured and Flown Out of Country
The U.S. military conducted a significant operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. President Donald Trump confirmed the success of the operation, stating that Maduro was taken into custody and flown out of the country. The operation involved U.S. law enforcement and a news conference is scheduled at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Explosions were heard in Caracas, Venezuela's capital, early Saturday morning, with low-flying aircraft spotted over the city around 2 a.m. The Venezuelan government reported that the attack affected civilian and military areas in Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira.
Venezuela strongly condemned the U.S. for what they called a "very serious military aggression" and accused the U.S. of imperialist aggression aimed at seizing Venezuela's strategic resources, particularly oil and minerals. The Venezuelan government emphasized its commitment to defending sovereignty and the right to determine its own destiny.
The U.S. military's strike in Venezuela coincides with its efforts to target drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Senator Mike Lee questioned the legal justification for the strike, raising concerns about the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force.
Maduro expressed readiness to negotiate with the U.S., particularly on combating drug trafficking. He highlighted Venezuela's willingness to engage in discussions and emphasized the potential for U.S. investment in the country, including in the oil sector.
The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá advised against travel to Venezuela and urged U.S. citizens in the country to stay indoors. A Travel Advisory recommended immediate departure for all U.S. citizens in Venezuela, with the Department of State having withdrawn diplomatic personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas in 2019.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice prohibiting U.S. aircraft from operating in Venezuelan airspace. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.