In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was apprehended in the early hours of Saturday by elite United States special forces. The operation, confirmed by US officials, marks a stunning development in the long-standing political crisis gripping the South American nation.
Operation Details and Presidential Confirmation
According to reports from CBS News citing a US official, the capture was executed by members of the famed Delta Force, the US military's premier special mission unit. US President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the action, stating that the US had carried out a "large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader."
President Trump further revealed that both Nicolás Maduro and his wife have been taken into custody and subsequently flown out of Venezuela. This elite unit has a history of high-profile missions, including the 2019 operation that led to the death of former Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Chaos in Caracas and Leadership Void
The raid plunged Venezuela's capital, Caracas, into chaos. Residents reported hearing at least seven loud explosions across the city, accompanied by air raid sirens and the sound of low-flying aircraft. The blasts, which occurred around 2:00 AM local time (0600 GMT), triggered panic in several neighborhoods and caused power outages.
In the aftermath, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the whereabouts of President Maduro and the first lady were unknown. Rodríguez said authorities were actively demanding "proof of life" from those responsible, as reported by the Associated Press.
Historical Parallels and Global Implications
The use of Delta Force draws direct parallels to the mission against ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Following that 2019 raid, President Trump had described al-Baghdadi's death in harsh terms, stating the terrorist "died like a dog" and "like a coward." He had emphasized that US operators confirmed the identity through on-site DNA testing.
The capture of a sitting head of state by foreign forces is an event of profound geopolitical significance. It represents a direct and unprecedented intervention by the United States into Venezuela's sovereign affairs, potentially setting a new precedent in international relations. The world now watches closely for the official US justification, the legal proceedings against Maduro, and the reaction from Venezuela's allies and the broader international community.
The immediate consequences are focused on Venezuela's political stability. With the president removed, the question of who holds legitimate authority and how the nation will navigate the ensuing power vacuum remains critically unanswered. The situation continues to develop rapidly.
