Caracas, Venezuela – In a swift and unprecedented military operation, the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, early Saturday. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. intends to administer Venezuela “for a period of time” while facilitating a transition of power, and indicated plans to utilize the nation’s oil reserves for rebuilding efforts.
Rising US Pressure Culminates in Overnight Strike
The operation began with explosions and low-flying aircraft over Caracas, with at least seven blasts reported within a 30-minute timeframe. Targets included military infrastructure, with smoke rising from a military base hangar and another installation experiencing a power outage. According to Venezuelan ruling party leader Nahum Fernández, Maduro and Flores were captured at their home within the Ft. Tiuna military installation.
Venezuelan officials have reported casualties, though the extent remains unclear. This action follows months of escalating pressure from the Trump administration, including naval deployments and strikes against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean since early September. Last week, a CIA drone strike targeted a docking area in Venezuela suspected of being used by drug cartels.
What’s Next for Venezuela?
President Trump stated the U.S. would “run” Venezuela, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine tasked with overseeing the administration. Trump claimed an American presence was already established, and suggested oil revenues would cover operational costs. He also asserted that Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez had been sworn in as president and had spoken with Secretary Rubio.
Maduro and Flores are expected to face narco-terrorism charges in the Southern District of New York, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The indictment against Maduro, initially filed in March 2020, alleges conspiracy related to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and possession of destructive devices. Authorities accuse Maduro of leading a government that has leveraged power to protect drug trafficking, enriching the country’s political and military elite.
Operation Details Emerge
During an interview, Trump revealed that U.S. forces practiced the operation on a replica building and reportedly disabled “almost all of the lights in Caracas.” He stated that a few U.S. personnel were injured, but believed no one was killed. Vice President Rodríguez indicated that some Venezuelan civilians and military personnel were killed during the operation.
Legal and International Repercussions
The legal implications of the U.S. strike are uncertain, particularly regarding international law and the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, which the U.S. does not recognize. Senator Mike Lee suggested the action may fall under the president’s constitutional authority to protect U.S. personnel. However, Senator Tim Kaine criticized the operation as a return to a policy of dominating the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere.
Venezuela’s government has denounced the action as an “imperialist attack” and called for citizens to protest. Reports indicate armed individuals and militia members have taken to the streets in some areas of Caracas, while others remain largely empty. Parts of the city remain without power.
Global Response
Colombia has deployed troops to its border with Venezuela, anticipating a potential influx of refugees. International reactions have been divided, with Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrating the operation, while Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the U.S. actions. Cuba and Russia have also criticized the intervention, calling it an infringement on Venezuelan sovereignty. European nations have offered muted responses, emphasizing the need for restraint and adherence to international law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this U.S. military action?
The Trump administration maintains that Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela and has accused his government of being a criminal enterprise involved in drug trafficking and supporting terrorist groups.
What is the current status of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores?
Maduro and Flores have been captured by U.S. forces and are reportedly aboard a U.S. warship, en route to the United States to face charges in New York.
What is the immediate impact on Venezuela?
The operation has left Venezuela’s leadership uncertain, with reports of casualties and infrastructure damage. Parts of Caracas remain without power, and the government has called for protests.
Given the unprecedented nature of this intervention, what long-term effects might this have on the political landscape of Latin America?