The political landscape of Venezuela has been thrown into turmoil following the dramatic capture of its former president, Nicolás Maduro. In a swift and deadly operation, US special forces seized Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores from a safe house in Caracas.
Son's Fiery Accusations of Betrayal
In the wake of this stunning event, the former leader's son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, has launched a scathing attack, pointing fingers at those closest to his father. He has openly suggested that betrayal from within Maduro's inner circle facilitated the operation. "History will tell who the traitors were," Maduro Guerra declared, vowing to rally supporters and bring his parents home. His emotional outburst included a pledge sworn on his father's name, highlighting the deep personal and political crisis.
Scale and Aftermath of the US Military Strike
The raid, described by US officials, was a massive undertaking. It involved coordinated strikes on key Venezuelan military and communication installations before the final assault in Caracas. More than one hundred fifty aircraft participated in the operation, which resulted in significant casualties. Reports indicate at least 80 people were killed, including Venezuelan and Cuban personnel stationed at the targeted sites.
Maduro and Flores are no longer in Venezuela. They have been transferred to a detention facility in New York City, where Washington is preparing to bring them to justice. The US has levelled sweeping narco-terrorism charges against Maduro, accusing him of leading a powerful drug trafficking network known as the Cartel of the Suns.
Power Vacuum and Regional Repercussions
With Maduro in custody, the question of leadership in Venezuela remains urgent. The report states that Delcy Rodríguez, previously Maduro's deputy, has now assumed control, creating a new presidency that challenges US plans for the country's political future. This event has sent shockwaves beyond Venezuela's borders, potentially reshaping diplomatic and military calculations across the Americas and drawing reactions from global powers invested in the region's stability.
The streets of Venezuela and the United States have become arenas for clashing emotions. While some Venezuelans celebrated what they called "the best day" of their lives, protests in Washington and New York labelled the military action an "illegal war." The fallout from this unprecedented intervention continues to unfold, with Maduro's son positioning himself as a focal point for resistance and accusing former allies of the ultimate treachery.
