In a dramatic escalation of tensions, a large-scale military operation by the United States in Venezuela has resulted in significant casualties and the capture of the country's president. The attack, which took place on Saturday, has drawn a stark warning from former US President Donald Trump and a grim casualty report from Cuba.
Casualties and Capture in Caracas
The government of Havana confirmed on Sunday that as many as 32 Cuban nationals lost their lives during the American strikes on the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. This revelation adds an international dimension to the conflict's human cost.
The primary objective of the US operation appears to have been successful, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Following the attack, the deposed leader was taken into US custody. Both are currently detained and have been transported to the United States to face justice.
Maduro's Legal Reckoning and Trump's Ultimatum
The legal process against the captured president is moving swiftly. Nicolás Maduro is scheduled for his first appearance in a US federal court on Monday. He awaits trial in New York City, where he faces serious federal criminal charges. The indictments include conspiracy related to narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
Adding to the volatile situation, former President Donald Trump issued a series of statements on Sunday. He directed a warning at Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, stating she would pay a "big price" for any resistance. Trump boldly asserted that the United States is now "in charge" of Venezuela and issued a clear threat of further military action. "We are ready to stage a second and much larger attack if we need to," he declared, signalling that the weekend's events may only be the beginning.
Implications and the Path Forward
The capture of a sitting head of state by another country is an unprecedented event in modern geopolitics. This action plunges Venezuela into a deep constitutional crisis and raises profound questions about sovereignty and international law. The significant loss of Cuban lives also risks drawing Havana directly into the fray, potentially widening the conflict's scope.
The world now watches closely as Maduro faces the US judicial system. Meanwhile, the threat of continued American military force hangs over the South American nation, with its acting leadership under direct pressure from Washington. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this intervention leads to a prolonged occupation or triggers a broader regional confrontation.
