At a Glance
- US forces launched a night strike on Caracas, claiming to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- The strike triggered a state of emergency and international condemnation.
- The operation was announced by President Donald Trump on social media hours after the attack.
- Why it matters: It marks a dramatic escalation in US-Venezuela tensions and raises questions about legality and sovereignty.
Early Saturday morning, explosions rang out across Caracas as low-flying aircraft swept the capital. The Venezuelan government said the strike hit civilian and military sites, while President Nicolás Maduro‘s whereabouts were unknown. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the president and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country.
Night Strike and Claims of Capture
The strike, lasting less than 30 minutes, involved multiple explosions and a barrage of aircraft. President Donald Trump announced the operation, stating that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out. The legal implications of the strike under U.S. law remain unclear, and the White House has not yet responded to questions about the operation or the intended destination of the captured officials.
- Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft targeted Caracas.
- President Donald Trump claimed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown out.
- The operation was conducted with U.S. law enforcement, but legal status is uncertain.
Delcy Rodríguez stated:
> “We do not know the whereabouts of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores”
> “We demand proof of life.”
Domestic and International Reactions
Venezuela’s government declared a state of external disturbance, called citizens to the streets, and suspended certain rights. Streets in some neighborhoods were crowded, while others remained empty. Power outages occurred, but traffic continued. The U.S. Embassy warned citizens to shelter in place, and the FAA banned commercial flights over Venezuelan airspace.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Boat strikes | 35 |
| Casualties | 115 |
| Carrier arrival | November |
The strike follows months of U.S. pressure, including a CIA drone strike on a docking area last week, and a buildup of U.S. forces in the Caribbean. Congressional leaders have expressed concerns, and regional allies like Cuba and Iran have condemned the attack.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said:
> “Our zone of peace is being brutally assaulted.”
Key Takeaways
- US forces claimed to have captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- The strike sparked a state of emergency in Caracas and international condemnation.
- 35 boat strikes and 115 casualties have already occurred in U.S.-led operations.
The operation underscores the escalating tension between Washington and Caracas, raising questions about sovereignty, legality, and the future of U.S. engagement in the region.
