In a dramatic sequence of events that unfolded on Friday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro held a high-level meeting with a Chinese government representative in Caracas, only hours before former US President Donald Trump made explosive claims about Maduro's capture by American forces.
A Strategic Meeting Amidst Rising Tensions
The Venezuelan leader received Qiu Xiaoqi, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Latin American Affairs, at the Miraflores Palace, the presidential headquarters. The meeting was characterised as a reaffirmation of the strong bilateral ties between Caracas and Beijing.
President Maduro later took to the Telegram messaging app to share details of the diplomatic engagement. "I had a pleasant meeting with Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping," Maduro stated. He further emphasised that both sides "reaffirmed our commitment to the strategic relationship that is progressing and strengthening in various areas for building a multipolar world of development and peace." This statement was reported by the Anadolu Agency.
Trump's Startling Claim and Reported Military Operation
The cordial diplomatic scene was swiftly overshadowed by claims from across the border. Former US President Donald Trump asserted that a "large-scale strike" had been conducted against Venezuela and its leadership. Trump went on to claim that following this operation, both Nicolas Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
US officials, cited by CBS News, provided more granular details, indicating that the mission was executed by the elite Delta Force, the US Army's premier special missions unit. The operation reportedly led to Maduro being taken into custody. This unit has a history of conducting high-profile missions, including the 2019 raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and the 2003 capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Confusion and Demand for Proof of Life
The claims triggered immediate confusion and concern within Venezuela. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the whereabouts of President Maduro and the first lady were unknown. In a significant move, Rodríguez demanded "proof of life," as per reports from the Associated Press.
The alleged military operation coincided with reports of overnight disturbances in the Venezuelan capital. Residents of Caracas reported hearing explosions, air sirens, and witnessing low-flying aircraft. The city also experienced power outages during this tense period, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty.
This incident highlights the volatile geopolitical landscape surrounding Venezuela, where internal political strife is compounded by the involvement of major global powers like the United States and China, each pursuing starkly different strategic interests in the region.
