In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been apprehended. Trump credited the capture to a "large scale strike" conducted by the United States against the South American nation.
The Announcement and Operation Details
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump declared the operation a success. "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country," he wrote. He added that the mission was executed in coordination with U.S. Law Enforcement agencies.
In subsequent remarks to the New York Times, the former President lauded the action, calling it a "brilliant operation." He emphasized the extensive planning and personnel involved, stating, "A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people. It was a brilliant operation, actually."
Chaos in Caracas: Explosions and Panic
The announcement followed reports of severe disturbances in the Venezuelan capital. Early on Saturday, a series of at least seven explosions rocked Caracas. Residents reported seeing low-flying aircraft and smoke billowing from the hangar of a military base. Another military installation lost power, and widespread electricity outages affected large parts of the city for hours.
The sudden attack triggered panic among citizens. Carmen Hidalgo, a 21-year-old office worker, described the terrifying moments: "The whole ground shook. This is horrible. We heard explosions and planes. We felt like the air was hitting us." The apparent military action lasted for less than half an hour, with immediate details on casualties or follow-up plans remaining unclear.
International Response and Rising Tensions
Anticipating the turmoil, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had proactively banned all US commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace, citing "ongoing military activity." The restriction was later expanded to include the airspace over Curacao. The US Embassy in Venezuela, operational only remotely since 2019, issued a security alert advising American citizens to shelter in place.
This bold move marks a peak in the long-standing friction between Washington and the Maduro government. The Trump administration has consistently intensified pressure on Maduro, who faces narco-terrorism charges in the United States. US military activities in the region have seen a significant uptick in recent months, encompassing drone strikes, naval blockades, and actions against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.
As of the latest reports, there has been no immediate official confirmation or statement from the Pentagon or the current White House regarding the strikes. Inquiries were directed to the White House, while the US Southern Command did not offer a response.
