ABEOKUTA / International – In an unprecedented military operation, the United States has launched large-scale strikes against Venezuela and announced the capture of its sitting President, Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
President Donald Trump announced the operation on his Truth Social platform early Saturday, stating: “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader… captured and flown out of the Country.” The action marks the most direct U.S. intervention in Latin America since the 1989 invasion of Panama.
According to U.S. officials, the mission to capture Maduro was executed by the elite Delta Force special operations unit.
Charges, Denials, and a National Emergency
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody and face criminal charges in the Southern District of New York. Maduro has been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices”. Bondi stated they would “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil”.
The Venezuelan government denounced the attack as “extremely serious military aggression” and declared a state of national emergency. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who would constitutionally assume power in Maduro’s absence, stated the government did not know the President’s whereabouts and demanded “proof of life”.
International Reactions: Condemnation and Concern
The international response has been swift and sharply divided:
· Condemnation: Russia and Iran strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of sovereignty. Cuba denounced the “criminal attack” as “state terrorism”. Colombia deployed forces to its border with Venezuela in preparation for a potential refugee influx.
· Calls for Restraint: The European Union, while stating Maduro “lacks legitimacy,” called for respect for international law and restraint. Spain, Chile, and others echoed calls for peaceful dialogue and de-escalation.
· Support: Argentina’s President Javier Milei celebrated the news, posting “liberty advances”. Some members of the Venezuelan diaspora in Miami also celebrated.
· Non-involvement: The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK was “not involved in any way” in the operation.
The Path to a Dramatic Escalation
The dramatic events follow months of intensifying U.S. pressure on Maduro’s government. Since mid-2025, the U.S. has built up a large naval presence in the Caribbean, seized Venezuelan oil tankers, and conducted strikes on boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The U.S. has long accused Maduro of leading a criminal narco-trafficking organization, which he denies.
Trump had previously refused to rule out war with Venezuela and stated Maduro’s “days are numbered”. The operation comes just two days after Maduro publicly offered U.S. cooperation on fighting drug trafficking.
Unanswered Questions and Future Uncertainty
The situation remains fluid with many critical questions unresolved:
· Location and Trial: Maduro and his wife’s exact location is unknown, as are the full details of the legal proceedings they will face.
· Casualties: The extent of damage and potential casualties from the strikes on Caracas and other areas is not yet clear.
· Leadership in Venezuela: It is uncertain who will now govern Venezuela. Key figures to watch include Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, may see this as a pivotal moment.
· Legal Justification: The Trump administration has not detailed the legal authority for the strike. Some U.S. lawmakers, like Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, have called the action “illegal”, while others seek constitutional justification.
A news conference by President Trump is scheduled for later today (11:00 a.m. ET at Mar-a-Lago), where more details are expected.
Key Figures in the Crisis
· Nicolás Maduro: President of Venezuela since 2013. Indicted by U.S. courts on narco-terrorism charges. U.S. offered a $50M bounty for his capture.
· Donald Trump: U.S. President. Announced the military operation and Maduro’s capture.
· Delcy Rodríguez: Venezuelan Vice President. Demanded proof of life for Maduro; is constitutional successor.
· Marco Rubio: U.S. Secretary of State. Key architect of hardline Venezuela policy.
· Vladimir Padrino López: Venezuelan Defense Minister. Ordered full military deployment and vowed “wall of resistance”.
What’s Next?
· Immediate: Await official confirmation of Maduro’s status and location, along with casualty reports from Venezuela.
· Short-term: Watch for Venezuela’s constitutional succession process and potential U.S. plans for political transition.
· Long-term: Monitor responses from global powers like China and Russia, and potential U.N. Security Council action.
