In a dramatic escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump on Saturday revealed the first image of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro following his capture by American armed forces. The operation, conducted at midnight, marks an unprecedented direct military action by the United States on Venezuelan soil.
The Midnight Raid and Capture
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were extracted from their residence on a military base in a covert operation. US forces successfully transported the couple to a waiting warship, which is now en route to New York. Authorities there plan to bring federal charges against Maduro, linking him to a sprawling "narco-terrorism" conspiracy. The operation was not without significant military backing.
Large-Scale Strikes and Venezuelan Response
The capture was preceded by what has been described as a "large-scale strike" targeting locations within Venezuela. Residents of the capital, Caracas, and other areas reported hearing powerful explosions overnight. In response, the Venezuelan government, now presumably under new leadership, issued a fierce condemnation.
Officials labelled the American action as an "imperialist attack" and an act of "extremely serious military aggression." The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency and is calling on citizens to mobilize and take to the streets in protest against what it terms a violation of sovereignty.
Unfolding Crisis and Global Implications
This event represents a seismic shift in the long-standing political standoff between the US and Venezuela. For years, Washington has recognised opposition figure Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president, imposing severe sanctions on Maduro's regime. This direct military intervention, however, crosses a new threshold.
The situation remains fluid and is developing rapidly. International reactions, the legal proceedings in New York, and the stability of Venezuela itself are all critical aspects to watch. The world now awaits further details on the operational specifics, the condition of the captured leader, and the formal charges he will face in a US courtroom.
