Speaking with Fox News, president Donald Trump revealed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured from a heavily fortified “fortress” with steel doors and a safety space, but was unable to secure himself in time. Trump stated that the operation was initially planned for four days earlier, but was delayed due to weather conditions.
The US military had assembled a significant force, including an “armada like nobody’s ever seen before”, and was prepared for a second wave of attacks if necessary. Trump claimed that the operation was “extremely complex” and involved multiple aircraft.
Trump Announced on Social Media
Maduro’s capture was announced by Trump on social media, stating that he and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been flown out of the country. The Venezuelan government accused the US of launching an “imperialist attack” and declared a national emergency.
The operation involved elite US special forces, including Delta Force, and FBI agents. Maduro is facing charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy in the US.
International Response
The international community has reacted with condemnation, with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro calling for a UN Security Council meeting and Cuba denouncing the operation as “state terrorism”. Iran also condemned the strikes, citing a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Maduro would stand trial on criminal charges in the US, and anticipated no further action in Venezuela. The US had previously accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging the 2024 election.
The capture of Maduro marks a significant escalation in US-Venezuela tensions, with the US seeking to exert its influence in the region. The operation echoes the US invasion of Panama in 1989, which led to the capture of Manuel Antonio Noriega.
Venezuela’s allies, including Russia and Cuba, have condemned the US action as a violation of sovereignty. The international community is awaiting further developments.
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