In a shocking announcement early today, former President Donald Trump claimed that the United States carried out a “large-scale strike” in Venezuela, capturing long-serving President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The operation marks one of the most direct U.S. interventions in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
Trump took to Truth Social to declare:
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
The U.S. has long accused Maduro of running a “narco-state” and rigging last year’s presidential election. Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez in 2013, has consistently argued that Washington seeks to control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Venezuela’s Government Vows Resistance
While Trump confirmed the strike was conducted “in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement,” and promised further details at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino issued a defiant response. In a video broadcast on state media, he said:
“Free, independent, and sovereign Venezuela rejects with all the strength of its libertarian history the presence of these foreign troops, which have only left behind death, pain, and destruction. Today we clench our fist in defense of what is ours. Let us unite, for in the unity of the people we will find the strength to resist and to triumph.”
Explosions and black smoke rocked Caracas and surrounding areas in the early hours, prompting a national emergency and the mobilization of troops. Residents described panic and confusion, capturing videos of orange flashes and heavy smoke in the sky. Carmen Marquez, a resident in eastern Caracas, said:
“Flare-like lights were crossing the sky and then explosions could be heard. We’re worried about what’s coming next. We don’t know anything from the government, only what the state television says.”
Global Reactions and Rising Tensions
Venezuela’s allies, including Cuba and Iran, quickly condemned the U.S. action. Tehran called the strike a “blatant violation of national sovereignty” and urged the UN Security Council to intervene.
The U.S. has long accused Maduro of flooding the U.S. with drugs, while Maduro has denied all allegations. Trump had previously indicated land operations in Venezuela, asserting that removing Maduro from power would be “smart.”
With a significant military buildup in the Caribbean, including aircraft carriers and advanced fighter jets, the U.S. has intensified pressure on the Maduro government through sanctions, naval strikes, and now, apparently, a direct capture operation. Legal experts have raised concerns about the authority for these operations, especially given the ongoing questions around the targeting of drug trafficking vessels.
