U.S. Conducts Military Strike In Venezuela, Captures President Nicolas Maduro

 

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, the United States military carried out a "large-scale strike" on Venezuela early Saturday morning, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, stating that Maduro and Flores had been "captured and flown out of the Country" following strikes on multiple targets across the nation.

"The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro," Trump posted. He described the operation as conducted "in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement" and scheduled a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for further details.

The Operation and Immediate Aftermath

Explosions rocked Caracas and surrounding areas around 2:00 a.m. local time, with reports of at least seven blasts and low-flying aircraft. Key targets included Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex; La Carlota airbase; La Guaira port; and other military facilities in states like Miranda and Aragua. Smoke rose from hangars and infrastructure, though the full extent of damage and casualties remains unclear.

U.S. officials told CBS News that elite Delta Force operators executed the capture of Maduro, reportedly from his residence at Fuerte Tiuna. No U.S. fatalities were reported, though some injuries occurred among American forces.

Venezuelan officials condemned the action as a "grave military aggression" and a violation of sovereignty. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded "proof of life" for Maduro and Flores, while Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López mobilized forces and called for resistance.

Background and Escalation

The strike culminates months of intensifying U.S. pressure under Operation Southern Spear, targeting alleged drug trafficking networks linked to the Venezuelan government. Since August 2025, the U.S. has deployed thousands of troops, warships, including the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group, and conducted over 35 strikes on suspected narco-vessels, killing more than 115 people. In December, U.S. forces seized oil tankers and imposed a naval quarantine.

The Trump administration has accused Maduro of running a "narco-state" and committing electoral fraud in 2024. Maduro, indicted in the U.S. on narco-terrorism charges, denies the allegations and claims U.S. actions aim to seize Venezuela's vast oil reserves.

Analysts compare the operation to the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, which removed Manuel Noriega. It marks the largest U.S. military action in Latin America since then.

International Reactions

Global responses were swift and divided:

• Condemnation from Allies of Venezuela: Russia denounced it as "armed aggression," while Cuba and Iran called for international action. Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva labeled it a "grave affront to sovereignty," evoking historical U.S. interventions.
• Latin American Leaders: Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay rejected the use of force, urging adherence to international law. Colombia remained silent amid border tensions.
• Others: The UK’s Keir Starmer emphasized upholding international law but awaited facts. The EU expressed concern over unilateral actions.

Venezuelan opposition figures, including spokespeople for María Corina Machado, welcomed the strikes on military targets, viewing them as a step toward transition.

What's Next?

Trump indicated the U.S. will be "very strongly involved" in Venezuela's oil industry and suggested Maduro will face trial in New York. Uncertainty looms over governance, with Rodríguez potentially assuming interim power amid reports of unrest and fleeing civilians.

The operation raises questions about legality, as Congress was not formally authorized for war, though the administration cites ongoing armed conflict with cartels. As the situation unfolds, the world watches for potential resistance from pro-Maduro forces or broader regional fallout.

This event represents a bold shift in U.S. foreign policy, echoing historical interventions while navigating modern geopolitical risks.