In a stunning revelation, former US President Donald Trump stated he watched the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in real-time, comparing the high-stakes military operation to a gripping television show. The event followed what Trump labelled a "large scale" American strike on Venezuela, marking a severe escalation in long-standing tensions between the two nations.
The Dramatic Capture: A 'Television Show' Moment
Speaking during a telephone interview with Fox News, Trump provided a vivid account of the operation. "I mean, I watched it, literally, like I was watching a television show," he said. He elaborated on the intensity of the scene, noting, "And if you would have seen the speed, the violence. We watched every aspect of it." The operation, which Trump hailed as "brilliant," involved extensive planning and was reportedly delayed for four days to await favourable weather conditions.
Trump announced the success of the mission on his Truth Social platform, writing, "The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country." He confirmed the action was coordinated with US law enforcement agencies.
Explosions Rock Caracas in Pre-Dawn Strike
The military action violently shook the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Saturday. Residents reported at least seven loud explosions reverberating across the city. The sound of air sirens and the sight of low-flying aircraft added to the widespread alarm and confusion.
This strike was the culmination of a noticeable American military buildup in the region over preceding months. Key assets, including the powerful USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and several accompanying warships, had been deployed to the Caribbean Sea. In a move that foreshadowed the events, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned American commercial flights from Venezuelan airspace just before the explosions, citing serious concerns over "ongoing military activity."
Fallout and Venezuela's Declaration of Emergency
In the immediate aftermath, the Venezuelan government declared a national emergency. President Maduro, prior to his reported capture, accused the United States of a severe act of "military aggression" targeting both civilian and military installations across multiple states. He called for a full mobilisation of the population in response to the attacks.
On the American side, Trump indicated that the operation resulted in "few injuries, no deaths on our side." He also stated that he was in the process of "making a decision on what’s next for Venezuela leadership," pointing to an uncertain political future for the South American country. This event represents one of the most direct and consequential interventions in the hemisphere in recent decades, setting the stage for significant geopolitical repercussions.
