US Military Strikes Venezuela, Captures President Maduro; International Repercussions Unfold
The United States launched a significant military operation in Venezuela early Saturday, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an unprecedented strike that has sparked global debate over sovereignty, legality and regional stability.
According to statements from US President Donald Trump, Venezuelan authorities were targeted in what he described as a “large-scale strike” carried out at dawn. Trump announced on social media that Maduro and his wife had been “captured and flown out of the country” following coordinated attacks on strategic sites across Caracas. Both were taken into custody and remain in US jurisdiction as they face criminal charges, including alleged narcoterrorism conspiracy.
US officials identified the operation as involving elite military units, reportedly the US Army’s Delta Force, supported by broader joint capabilities. The attack, named “Operation Absolute Resolve” by some sources, reportedly included over 150 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, striking military and civilian infrastructure in multiple Venezuelan states. Maduro and his wife were later flown to New York to await court proceedings.
The Venezuelan government characterised the strikes as “criminal military aggression.” Caracas declared a national emergency and rejected the attack as a violation of the nation’s sovereignty. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom the Venezuelan Supreme Court designated acting president in Maduro’s absence, demanded proof of life and called for his immediate release.
Trump’s public statements suggested the US may temporarily “run” Venezuela during a transition, although precise governance structures were not detailed. Trump cited longstanding grievances against Maduro’s administration, including allegations of corruption, electoral manipulation and involvement in drug trafficking.
Reactions among world leaders have been sharply divided. French President Emmanuel Macron called for a peaceful and democratic transition of power and stressed respect for international norms. In contrast, several Latin American leaders, including Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Mexico’s government, condemned the strike as a breach of sovereignty that risks regional instability. China and Russia issued strong rebukes, accusing the US of violating international law and jeopardising diplomatic conventions. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, however, supported the operation, framing it as a victory for freedom.
The capture of Maduro has intensified debates about the legality of the US action. International law experts are divided on whether the substantial use of force in another sovereign state can be justified under existing frameworks, including self-defence or multilateral mandates. Critics maintain that absent clear evidence of imminent threat, the operation may contravene the UN Charter.
Domestically, Venezuela now faces acute political uncertainty. With Maduro detained abroad, Vice President Rodríguez’s claim to interim leadership remains contested both internally and among international governments. Political actors, including opposition figures, are asserting competing visions for a transition, heightening the risk of internal fractures.
Civilian casualties have been reported in Caracas and other regions affected by the strikes, though official tallies remain incomplete. Early reports indicated dozens of deaths amid explosions and combat operations, contributing to outcry among humanitarian organisations and raising concerns about civilian protection.
The operation has also significantly impacted the information environment. Disinformation and counterfeit visuals have circulated widely on social media, complicating efforts to verify events on the ground. Fact-checking groups have highlighted manipulated footage and false claims surrounding the raid, illustrating broader challenges in coverage of fast-moving geopolitical events.
As nations and international bodies consider their next steps, the broader implications of the strike continue to unfold. Questions over legitimacy, regional stability, the future of Venezuela’s government and the role of external military intervention are now central to diplomatic and legal discussions.
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