> At a Glance
> – U.S. conducts “large-scale strike” on Venezuela; Trump says Maduro captured and flown out
> – Multiple explosions hit Caracas; FAA bans U.S. flights over Venezuela
> – VP Delcy Rodríguez says president’s whereabouts unknown; demands proof of life
> – Why it matters: Overnight military action upends Venezuelan leadership and sparks global reaction
President Trump posted on Truth Social at 3:30 a.m. CT that Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been removed from Venezuela after a brief, high-intensity U.S. operation over Caracas.
The Nighttime Operation
At least seven blasts lit up the capital in under 30 minutes, sending residents into the streets and cutting power to key military sites. The Venezuelan government labeled the event an “imperialist attack” and urged citizens to mobilize.
Delcy Rodríguez, the vice-president, confirmed the uncertainty:
> “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. We demand proof of life.”
Immediate Fallout
Government loyalists in red strongholds formed armed patrols, while other neighborhoods remained deserted. The FAA closed Venezuelan and nearby Curacao airspace to U.S. carriers citing “ongoing military activity.”
International Reaction
- Cuba condemned the “criminal attack” on regional peace
- Iran issued a formal rejection of the strikes
- Argentina‘s President Milei celebrated: “Long live freedom, dammit!”
Legal Questions
- No word from Pentagon or South Command
- Congressional Armed Services committees received no advance notice
- Sen. Mike Lee asked what constitutional authority justified the action
| Latest Escalation | Details |
|---|---|
| Boat strikes since Sept | 35 strikes, 115+ dead |
| Drone strike last week | CIA hit alleged cartel dock |
| Carrier deployment | Most advanced U.S. carrier arrived Nov |
Background Pressure
The Trump administration has framed months of strikes on suspect drug vessels as part of an “armed conflict” with cartels. Federal prosecutors indicted Maduro on narco-terrorism charges in March 2020; the White House has not said whether it plans to bring him to court.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. military action removed Venezuela’s president in under an hour
- Caracas faces widespread power outages and calls for mass protest
- Global allies split between condemnation and celebration
- Congress was not notified, raising constitutional debate
The next 24 hours will show whether the declared state of external disturbance holds or if further operations follow.
