UPDATE: President Donald Trump has confirmed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a dramatic military operation early this morning. The U.S. launched air strikes on Caracas, utilizing Black Hawk helicopters and Chinooks, amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.
Just hours ago, Trump announced the successful operation on social media, stating that Maduro and his wife were taken into custody and flown out of Venezuela. The military assault targeted significant locations, including the military complex Fuerte Tiuna and the air base at La Carlota, resulting in widespread power outages across the capital.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed the operation as “brilliant” and promised further details during a news conference scheduled for 11am EST (4pm UK time) at his Mar-a-Lago estate. He described the mission as involving “a lot of good planning” and praised the troops for their execution.
The strikes follow months of escalating threats from Trump, who had previously warned of military action if Venezuela did not curb drug-smuggling activities heading toward the U.S. The U.S. State Department has branded Maduro as the leader of a “narco-terrorist state,” and military activities have intensified, including operational flights near the Venezuelan border and naval forces in the Caribbean and Pacific.
According to U.S. officials, approximately three dozen boat strikes have occurred as part of this military strategy. Just this week, Trump announced a “total blockade” on U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela.
In response to the air strikes, the Venezuelan government has called for mass mobilizations, urging supporters to protest against what they labeled as an “imperialist attack.” Venezuelan officials reported strikes in multiple regions, including Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, and declared a state of external disturbance.
President Gustavo Petro of Colombia expressed deep concern regarding the situation, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the attacks as a cowardly act against a nation that has not instigated conflict with the U.S.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on Trump’s upcoming news conference, where he is expected to address critical questions about U.S. military actions and the future of Venezuela under Maduro’s absence. Stay tuned for live updates as this story unfolds.
